Walsh & Hoyt: Neuromyelitis Optica (Devic's Disease)

The association of acute or subacute loss of vision in one or both eyes caused by acute optic neuropathy preceded or followed within days to weeks by a transverse or ascending myelitis was initially described by Allbutt in 1870 and later by Devic, who called the condition neuromyelitis optica. It subsequently became known as Devics disease. Whether neuromyelitis optica is a variant of MS or a unique disease remains controversial.