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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
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Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4
Published on: August 21, 2017
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Pathologic yawning in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
Marco A Lana-Peixoto1, Dagoberto Callegaro2, Natália Talim1
1CIEM MS Research Center, Federal University of Minas Gerais Medical School, Av. Alfredo Balena 100, Belo Horizonte, MG 30130-100, Brazil.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|April 17, 2015
Summary
Pathologic yawning, a neurological symptom, may be a previously unrecognized sign in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). This study highlights yawning as a potential early indicator in AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) can manifest with various neurological symptoms affecting the brainstem, hypothalamus, and cerebrum.
- Pathologic yawning has not been previously documented in NMOSD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of pathologic yawning in AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD patients.
- To determine if yawning can be an early presenting symptom of NMOSD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of nine AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD patients experiencing excessive yawning.
- Clinical assessment of yawning episodes, associated symptoms, and neuroimaging findings.
Main Results:
- Excessive yawning occurred in nine AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD patients, unrelated to sleep or fatigue.
- Yawning was the presenting symptom in five patients, lasting 2-16 weeks, often with nausea, vomiting, and hiccups.
- Brain MRI revealed lesions in the brainstem and hypothalamus in all patients.
Conclusions:
- Pathologic yawning may be an underrecognized symptom in NMOSD.
- Excessive yawning warrants consideration as a potential clinical manifestation of NMOSD.
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