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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4
Published on: August 21, 2017
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.
Introduction:
Brainstem, hypothalamic and cerebral symptoms may occur in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). However, pathologic yawning has not been previously described in NMOSD patients.
Patients And Methods:
Nine AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD patients experienced excessive yawning not related to sleep deprivation or fatigue.
Results:
Patients were female, aged 19-57 years (median, 39 years) at disease onset. Excessive yawning spells were the presenting symptom of the disease in five patients, lasted 2-16 weeks, and usually occurred in association with nausea, vomiting and hiccups. Brain MRI was abnormal in all patients and most frequently showed brainstem and hypothalamic lesions.
Conclusion:
Pathologic yawning may be a neglected although not a rare symptom in NMOSD.
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