SOCIOECONOMIC AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH NEUROMYELITIS OPTICA SPECTRUM IN PARAÍBA: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

The neuromyelitis optica spectrum is a rare, autoimmune, inflammatory, demyelinating, and chronic disorder of the central nervous system, which mainly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. It is a sensorimotor impairment, which causes pain, in its majority, in the dermatome corresponding to the area of injury, paresis of the limbs, paresthesias, sensory disorders and autonomic dysfunctions, optic neuritis that directly affects the reception and transmission of nerve stimuli, causing low visual acuity. Based on this, the purpose of this descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, was to analyze the socioeconomic and epidemiological profile with a focus on functional capacity by the Modified Barthel Index and fatigue by the Fatigue Severity Scale of individuals with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in Paraíba. Data were collected using a digital self-responsive form, in which descriptive analysis was performed with frequencies, mean and standard deviation. The sample consisted of sixteen individuals, predominantly female (15:1), with a mean age at diagnosis of 32.5 years, with some higher education level, with associated comorbidities, sedentary, undergoing motor physical therapy rehabilitation, with high levels of fatigue and mild to moderate functional dependence. They are mainly impaired in activities involving the lower limbs, such as walking and going up and/or down flights of stairs.