$120+ Million
The amount we've recovered for clients.
What is Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD)?
MOGAD is a rare autoimmune disorder that impacts the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord. Here's a simplified explanation to help understand:
How MOGAD Works:
- Immune System Confusion: Normally, the immune system protects the body by attacking harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria. In MOGAD, the immune system mistakenly targets a protein called myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG).
- Damage to Myelin: MOG is part of the myelin sheath, which insulates nerve fibers, helping electrical signals travel quickly and efficiently in the brain and spinal cord. When the immune system attacks MOG, it damages the myelin sheath.
- Disrupted Communication: This damage disrupts the electrical signals between the brain and other parts of the body, leading to various neurological symptoms.
How MOGAD Affects Daily Life
Visual Disturbances:
- Up to 50% of MOGAD patients experience visual disturbances, including blurred vision and vision loss. (NIH)
- Personal Impact: Imagine waking up one day and seeing everything through a foggy window. Reading, driving, or even recognizing faces becomes a challenge. This can make a person feel isolated and dependent on others for daily tasks.
Weakness and Mobility Issues:
- About 30% of MOGAD patients report significant weakness in their limbs. (ScienceDirect)
- Personal Impact: Tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing can become difficult. It may require the use of mobility aids like canes or wheelchairs, affecting a person's ability to work and enjoy physical activities.
Sensory Changes:
- Sensory changes, such as numbness or tingling, affect approximately 40% of those with MOGAD. (ScienceDirect)
- Personal Impact: Imagine losing the ability to feel hot or cold or constantly feeling pins and needles in your hands and feet. This can make cooking, bathing, and dressing hazardous, requiring constant vigilance and sometimes assistance.
Severe Headaches:
- Severe headaches are common, with around 60% of patients experiencing them regularly. (Frontiers)
- Personal Impact: Chronic headaches can disrupt concentration, productivity, and sleep. This might lead to missed work or school days and a general decline in quality of life.
Coordination Problems:
- Coordination problems are reported by about 25% of patients. (SpringerLink)
- Personal Impact: Everyday tasks like buttoning a shirt, writing, or using utensils become frustratingly difficult. Participation in sports or even simple exercises can be hindered, leading to decreased physical fitness and increased frustration.
Paralysis and Vision Loss:
- In severe cases, up to 10% of patients may experience partial or complete paralysis or vision loss. (ResearchGate)
- Paralysis affects mobility entirely, requiring full-time use of wheelchairs and assistance for most daily activities. Vision loss can be profound, leading to significant lifestyle changes and dependence on others.
Bladder Dysfunction:
- Bladder dysfunction affects around 20% of MOGAD patients. (Medilib)
- Personal Impact: Frequent and urgent needs to urinate, incontinence, or difficulty emptying the bladder can lead to social embarrassment and disrupt daily routines and sleep.
