MOGBytes™: Snack-sized guides to understanding MOGAD

Understanding MOGAD, one bite at a time.

We recognize that patients and caregivers need time to learn what is important in managing MOGAD. As a rare and relatively new disease, MOGAD can involve many nuances, and building an understanding of the disease can feel daunting—especially after a new diagnosis.

To help make learning about MOGAD easier, The MOG Project has developed a series of five colorful, snack-sized guides covering key topics in MOGAD. We call them MOGbytes.

Created with patients and caregivers in mind, MOGbytes offers accessible information to help you better understand MOGAD, recognize important symptoms and disease patterns, and become more informed about your care.

Explore the mogbytes series

New to MOGAD? Start with Series 1!

MOGAD can be complex, and every patient’s experience is different. MOGbytes is designed to help you build your understanding step by step—from the basics of MOGAD and its symptoms to treatment options and recognizing potential relapses.

Already familiar with MOGAD? Explore the series that addresses the questions most relevant to you.

Series 1: Intro to MOGAD. MOgbytes™—A snack-sized guide to understanding MOGAD. Image shows a hummingbird and a pink hibiscus, and is by The MOG Project.

Infographic explaining MOGAD, an autoimmune condition that affects the eyes, brain, and spinal cord, with icons representing each area and decorative floral elements.

Infographic listing MOGAD symptoms: vision loss, eye pain, headaches, seizures, memory loss, behavioral changes, bladder or bowel issues, sexual changes, weakness, numbness, and chronic fatigue.

Infographic titled Symptoms explaining MOGAD attacks: sudden onset of symptoms, single or multiple attacks, about half relapse, some recover fully, others have ongoing symptoms. Includes a flower and a hummingbird illustration.

Treatment options for MOGAD are shown in three columns: during an attack, preventative, and potential new treatments, each listing different medications or therapies against a white background with a hummingbird illustration.

Two hummingbirds hover near a pink hibiscus flower. Text about The MOG Project and UCB partnership appears above, with additional credits and logos displayed in the background.

Series 1: Intro to MOGAD

An introduction to MOGAD, including what it is, who it affects, common symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and current treatment approaches.

Infographic explains that MOG antibody is a biomarker for diagnosis but can give false positives; doctors also assess symptoms, exam findings, and MRI to rule out other conditions like MS and NMOSD.

Infographic showing how MOGAD affects the optic nerve, spinal cord, and brain/brainstem in the central nervous system, with labeled icons and supporting text.

Infographic explaining how MOGAD affects the eye: inflammation of the optic nerve causes vision changes, eye pain, and headache. Includes icons for vision, pain, headache, and a pink hibiscus flower.

Infographic titled How Does MOGAD Show Up in the Brain? lists types of brain inflammation and symptoms, with illustrations of a brain and a hummingbird.

Infographic about post-attack care with icons, pink flower, and hummingbird. It highlights monitoring after the first attack, changing treatment after relapses, and individualized decisions with doctors.

Infographic about relapses in MOGAD. It explains relapse frequency, unpredictability, and notes optic neuritis is common. It also mentions recovery is possible, but repeated relapses can cause lasting disability.

A References page lists scientific sources about MOG antibody-associated disease and related neurological topics, with a small illustration of a green and purple hummingbird in the top right corner.

Two hummingbirds hover near a pink hibiscus flower, with logos and text promoting a medical series by The MOG Project and UCB, featuring two neurology experts.

Series 2: Associated Symptoms

MOGAD can affect different parts of the central nervous system and may look different from one person to another. Explore common symptoms involving the optic nerves, spinal cord, brain, brainstem, and meninges, along with how MOG antibody testing contributes to diagnosis, how MOGAD can differ by age, and what monophasic and relapsing disease patterns mean.

Image with text about MOGbytes™, a guide to understanding MOGAD by The MOG Project, featuring a hummingbird and a pink hibiscus flower on a light blue background.

Infographic comparing MOGAD treatment during an attack—focused on reducing inflammation—with preventive care, which aims to modify immune response and prevent relapses. Lists key points for each approach.

Infographic about choosing a treatment plan for MOGAD, highlighting personalized treatments, considering patient needs, ongoing research, and the value of sharing patient experiences. Includes icons and text explanations.

Infographic showing common MOGAD treatments during an attack: IV Steroids, Oral Steroids, IVIG, and PLEX. Includes decorative flowers, a hibiscus, a hummingbird, and explanatory text at the bottom.

Infographic explaining IV steroids (methylprednisolone) for attacks, detailing how it works, what to expect during treatment, possible side effects, and recovery information. Includes icons and branded by The MOG Project.

Infographic about oral steroids (Prednisone and Methylprednisolone) explaining how they work, expected results, and possible side effects during an attack, with icons and text on a light background.

Infographic on oral steroids (Prednisone, Methylprednisolone) covers dosing, administration, side effects, special considerations, and warnings; includes icons and highlighted sections for clarity.

Infographic explaining that long-term steroid use for treating MOGAD isnt recommended due to potential side effects, risk of steroid dependence, and possible use of oral steroids as a preventive treatment when other options fail.

An infographic about steroid tapering shows a graph of dosage over time, highlighting the importance of gradually reducing steroids to prevent rebound inflammation, with key steps and warnings.

Infographic explaining PLEX: how it works (removes plasma to filter antibodies) and what to expect (IV placement, possible neck/chest line, drink water to help with low blood pressure).

Infographic about PLEX treatment, detailing dosing, administration, side effects, and special considerations, with icons and text boxes. The design uses pastel colors and flower graphics for visual appeal.

Infographic explaining IVIG for attacks: dosing and administration, potential side effects, and special considerations, including dosage info, common and serious side effects, and recommendations for patients and doctors.

A chart showing common preventive MOGAD treatments: IVIG, Mycophenolate, Azathioprine, Tocilizumab, and Rituximab, with decorative pink flowers and a shield icon in the center.

Infographic explaining IVIG: how it works to decrease antibodies, what to expect (hydration, meds), and possible use of pre-medications like Benadryl and Tylenol. NSAIDs like ibuprofen may also be used.

Infographic explaining IVIG for prevention: shows dosing, administration, side effects, and special considerations. Lists common and serious side effects, dosing details, and reminders for monitoring and doctor guidance.

Infographic about Mycophenolate Mofetil (CellCept, Myfortic), explaining how it works to reduce immune activity and what to expect, including drug monitoring and regular blood tests.

Infographic about Mycophenolate Mofetil, showing dosage, side effects, and special considerations for its use in preventive care, with icons and brief descriptions.

Infographic explaining Rituximab: how it works (reduces immune cells to lower activity and relapses) and what to expect (infusion process, possible pre-medication, and need for arranging transportation).

Infographic on Rituximab: includes dosing, potential side effects, special considerations, and a note that Rituximab is not the primary treatment for MOGAD patients. Icons and color blocks emphasize key points.

Azathioprine (Imuran) infographic: explains its immune system effects, benefits for inflammation, side effects, timeline for full effect, and need for regular check-ups and blood tests. Includes icons and headers.

Infographic about Azathioprine (Imuran), showing dosing, administration, potential side effects, and special considerations for patients, including warnings about blood cells, infection, and the need for enzyme testing.

An infographic about Tocilizumab for MOGAD. It explains how it blocks IL-6 to reduce relapses and that blood tests are needed. Relapses were rare in small studies, but more research is needed.

Infographic about Tocilizumab (Actemra) for MOGAD: includes dosing, administration methods, potential side effects, special considerations, and general guidelines, with decorative flowers and icons throughout.

A list of medical references about MOG disease on a light background with a small image of a colorful hummingbird in the upper right corner.

Two hummingbirds hover around a pink hibiscus flower. Above, text announces a MOG Project series in partnership with UCB. Organization logos and collaborator details are also shown.

Series 3: Treatments & Symptom Management

Learn about treatments used during MOGAD attacks and for relapse prevention, along with information about how treatments work, what to expect, potential side effects, and why treatment plans are individualized.

Text reading Series 4: Identifying Symptoms. MOGbytes™: A snack-sized guide to understanding MOGAD. with a hummingbird and hibiscus flower, and logos for The MOG Project. Light blue background.

Infographic explaining MOGAD symptoms: Affects brain/brain stem, optic nerve, and spinal cord, causing encephalitis, optic neuritis, and transverse myelitis. Text and simple icons included.

An infographic explaining which brain parts are linked to MOGAD symptoms, including a brain diagram and symptom descriptions for movement, thinking, mood, seizures, communication, and vision.

Illustration of a brain highlighting the cerebellum, with text explaining symptoms of MOGAD inflammation such as balance, vision, movement, swallowing, and speech difficulties. Includes brief explanations of each symptom.

Diagram showing brain regions linked to MOGAD symptoms, with boxes listing effects like vision loss, dizziness, facial numbness, hearing changes, swallowing issues, and breathing problems due to brainstem inflammation.

Speech bubbles show quotes from patients and caregivers about brain or brainstem inflammation, including confusion, memory loss, headaches, emotional changes, seizures, nausea, and difficulty focusing or balancing.

Infographic about optic neuritis (ON) symptoms: blurred vision, vision loss, impaired color vision, light sensitivity, partial/total vision loss, and eye pain. ON attacks may be monophasic or relapsing.

Text quotes from patients about optic nerve inflammation symptoms, including eye pain, blurred vision, dark or pixelated sight, gray smudges, and sensations like smoke or knife-like pain near the eyes.

Infographic on transverse myelitis showing symptoms: sensory (numbness, tingling, pain), motor (weakness, muscle spasms, bladder issues), with a spine illustration and explanation of monophasic vs. relapsing attacks.

Quotes from patients and caregivers about spinal cord inflammation symptoms, including pain, weakness, stinging, bruises, and changes in gait, chest, and belly, shown in speech bubbles on a light background.

Silhouette of a person with lines pointing to symptoms of MOGAD, including headache, dizziness, neck stiffness, fatigue, fever, irritability, anxiety, heat sensitivity, and loss of appetite. Text and flower graphics included.

Infographic explaining how doctors diagnose MOGAD, including symptoms, imaging tests, lab tests, and monitoring changes over time. Icons and brief descriptions illustrate each step. Includes relevant medical abbreviations at the bottom.

Infographic explaining MOG antibody levels, their role in diagnosing MOGAD, how levels can change, and the importance of regular testing for disease monitoring; with icons and highlighted text.

A references page with a list of academic citations on neurology topics. A small hummingbird image appears in the upper right corner. The page background is pale, and References is written in bold pink at the top.

Two hummingbirds hover near a pink hibiscus flower. Text above reads: This series is brought to you by The MOG Project in partnership with UCB. Partner logos and credits appear below.

Series 4: Identifying Symptoms

Take a closer look at the symptoms associated with inflammation in different areas of the central nervous system, including the brain, brainstem, optic nerve, and spinal cord.

Infographic explains relapse vs. pseudo-relapse in MOGAD. Relapse involves new or worsening symptoms over 24–48 hours; pseudo-relapse is temporary, triggered by stress, and symptoms may fluctuate and improve within 24–48 hours.

Infographic explaining MRIs role in detecting relapses, differentiating true and pseudo-relapses, and highlighting the value of doctors judgment. Includes icons, a hibiscus flower, and a hummingbird.

Infographic on MOGAD relapses: when to call a doctor, what baseline means, signs of progression, and where to find support, with icons and teal-green accents.

A chart titled Recognizing When to Act shows how to assess concern levels for symptoms, guiding when to monitor, check with your doctor, or act. Levels: Low (yellow), Medium (orange), High (red), with specific symptom questions and examples.

Infographic titled Could this be a relapse? What should be done? listing steps: act quickly, contact your doctor, and doctor evaluation steps including MRI, blood tests, lumbar puncture, vision tests, and other assessments.

A guide titled Get Prepared advises creating a personal action plan for symptoms with your doctor, sharing the plan with others, and includes resources for help, all decorated with icons and a hummingbird.

Emergency care prep infographic with hummingbird: lists records to keep—past treatments, current medications, test results, allergies, doctor contact info. Sidebar links to the MOGAD Action Plan, Emergency Plan, Relapse Tracker, and more.

Infographic about tracking symptoms and relapses for better care. Lists steps for keeping a record and sharing with care teams. Includes flowers, a hummingbird, and resource links at the bottom.

A reference list of medical research articles on MOGAD is displayed on a white background with a green gradient border. A colorful hummingbird hovers on the right side. References is written in red at the top center.

Two hummingbirds hover near a pink hibiscus flower. Text above reads: This series is brought to you by The MOG Project in partnership with UCB. Additional logos and collaboration credits are shown.

Series 5: Relapse Management

Learn how to recognize potential relapses, understand the difference between a relapse and a pseudo-relapse, know when to contact your care team, and prepare for changes in symptoms.

MOGAD is complex. Learning about it doesn’t have to be.

Please remember: MOGbytes is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment decisions should always be made with a qualified healthcare provider who understands your individual medical history and needs.

MOGbytes is brought to you by The MOG Project in partnership with UCB. We thank UCB for supporting the development of this educational series and our shared commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of MOGAD!