NMOSD acute attack: Understanding, treatment and innovative treatment prospect

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a group of severe inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system that involves the optic nerve and spinal cord. Currently the therapeutic options for an acute attack in NMOSD are limited and rarely characterized in clinical studies. This review discussed the overall characteristics of acute attack of NMOSD, related risk factor, prognosis and management. Considering the huge unmet needs and the emergence of new therapeutic targets, we also reviewed innovative treatments that might alleviate attack damage, along with the challenges to evaluate new drug for acute attack in NMOSD.