Epilepsy in patients with MOG antibody disease

Introduction. MOG (anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) antibody disease is a group of demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system, in which antibodies attack the glycoproteins on the oligodendrocyte myelin membrane. The aim of the study was to evaluate the course of the disease in patients with MOG antibody disease with epilepsy.

Materials and methods. We examined 11 patients (5 men and 6 women) with MOG antibody disease aged from 2 months to 46 years. Three case studies were described when patients with MOG antibody disease had epileptic seizures.

Results and discussion. Epileptic seizures preceded the diagnosis of MOG antibody disease in the first patient. The disease presented as right-sided optic neuritis in the second patient. Seven years later, an epileptic seizure occurred after childbirth, when the BBB could have become permeable to circulating MOG antibodies. The disease presented with headache in the third patient. Right-sided optic neuritis and ataxia developed after an acute viral respiratory infection. Myelitis was diagnosed, and an epileptic seizure occurred one year later. The patient had a combination of CADASIL syndrome with MOG antibody disease.

Conclusion. Epileptic seizures are common in patients with MOG antibody disease. In addition to antiepileptic therapy, treatment of MOG antibody disease is crucial. This leads to good seizure control and a favourable prognosis.