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Neurology (Expert Forum)
MS - Optic Neuritis
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MS - Optic Neuritis
by heidi, Feb 10, 2000 12:00AM
I am 33 yrs old and am just finishing with a bout of ON(I'm in week 7) I was treated with intravenous steriods and then the tapering oral dose. I had an MRI which was normal and I am in very good health - I am wondering what statistically are the chances that my ON could be the onset of MS?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Feb 10, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Heidi:
Sorry to hear about your optic neuritis. Although optic neuritis is the most common presenting sign of someone who later develops MS, only 20 - 35% or so of patients who have MS have had optic neuritis. Those patients who develop optic neuritis, the average is approximately 50% who go on to develop MS. However, in some small studies it has been reported to be less than 20%. But, unfortunately I think the 50% is likely alittle closer to reality. So, your chances are maybe in the 40-50% range. I truely hope that there is not MS in your future.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Sorry to hear about your optic neuritis. Although optic neuritis is the most common presenting sign of someone who later develops MS, only 20 - 35% or so of patients who have MS have had optic neuritis. Those patients who develop optic neuritis, the average is approximately 50% who go on to develop MS. However, in some small studies it has been reported to be less than 20%. But, unfortunately I think the 50% is likely alittle closer to reality. So, your chances are maybe in the 40-50% range. I truely hope that there is not MS in your future.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
No, a cataract is an opaque small area in your lens, while optic neuritis is inflammation of your optic nerve. Most patients do not have pain with cataracts. I am not sure what to tell you.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD