Neuropathological features of “non‐motor” symptoms in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica

Abstract

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are the two main autoimmune demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system. MS is defined as autoimmune oligodendrocytopathy (unknown autoantigens), and NMOSD is defined as autoimmune astrocytopathy or aquaporin‐4 channelopathy. Both diseases can occur throughout the central nervous system, and do often cause various “motor” and “non‐motor” symptoms. “Non‐motor” symptoms, including cognitive impairment, fatigue, pain and neuropsychological symptoms (e.g. depression, loneliness and anxiety), have gained renewed attention in MS and NMOSD since the past three decades, because they influence a patient's competence in daily life activities, including the participation in social activities and their employment status. Herein, we summarize the current concepts of the neuropathological processes of these “non‐motor” symptoms in MS and NMOSD. These concepts help to define the novel disease‐specific mechanisms of the two diseases, and to improve the quality of daily life of patients with MS and NMOSD.