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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Optic Neuritis AGAIN
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Optic Neuritis AGAIN
by Justagirl, Feb 25, 2001 12:00AM
I am 34(female) and have had ON in both my left eye(14 months ago)and now again in my right eye. My first experience with this was with a very dramatic sight loss - treated with steroids/this time not as dramatic, but had the telltale eye pain and darkness in the eye. - My other concerns is that I am tired a lot. My legs and arms get tired when I do fairly simple things and I need a lot more sleep than I have ever required before. - I had an MRI last January and it was fine - I am scheduled to go for another next month. I am starting to get a little concerned here - I am aware of the link between ON and MS - How does this all sound to you? -
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P]-M.D.-RPS, Feb 25, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Justagirl:
Sorry to hear about your optic neuritis. As you know, optic neuritis is a common initial sign of MS, somewhere between 30-45% of people with optic neuritis end up being diagnosed in their life with MS. This doesn't mean that you will end up having MS as less than half of people do. I am assuming that you had IV steriods both times as that is the standard. As the statistics go, if you have optic neuritis without MRI changes then your chances of developing MS within 4 years goes down to less than 20%. That compares to over 50% who had MRI lesions. So, based on what you have told me and the last MRI I would say your chances of developing MS are less than 20%. But one has to realize that these are just numbers and not people. You have to be ontop of your health and stay in touch with your neurologist. Let us know how the MRI comes out.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Sorry to hear about your optic neuritis. As you know, optic neuritis is a common initial sign of MS, somewhere between 30-45% of people with optic neuritis end up being diagnosed in their life with MS. This doesn't mean that you will end up having MS as less than half of people do. I am assuming that you had IV steriods both times as that is the standard. As the statistics go, if you have optic neuritis without MRI changes then your chances of developing MS within 4 years goes down to less than 20%. That compares to over 50% who had MRI lesions. So, based on what you have told me and the last MRI I would say your chances of developing MS are less than 20%. But one has to realize that these are just numbers and not people. You have to be ontop of your health and stay in touch with your neurologist. Let us know how the MRI comes out.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Thanks,
Concerned.