Optic Neuritis & high-dose steriods

I had stabbing pains in my eyes this morning, followed by a more mild, throbbing pain & blurred vision (which I've had before & promised myself if it happened again I would go to the doctor).  So, I went to see my eye doctor today.

Now, keep in mind, I am already being tested for numbness & pain throughout the left side of my body, I have had MRI's and have an appointment with a Neuro on May 5.  

The eye doctor checked my eyes & did several tests - I learned that the eye which has been affected by this pain does see colors differently (which I didn't realize before he checked it).  And it hurts when I move my eyes to look around the room or when wind hits it.

He (eye doc) said that his exam did not show the optic neuritis (change in shape) but he saw no other possibility for my symptoms and he believes I have a MILD case of optic neuritis that cannot be seen on physical examination.  He called my doctors office (GP) to discuss having me admitted for intravenous steroids.

My doctor, and his PA are both out of the office.  He sent me home & said he would fax his findings to my GP and talk with them tomorrow...... He was very disappointed, and made me nervous to be honest....... which I wasn't before he acted that way.

I know there's a possibility of MS - that's why I'm going through all this testing to find out if its that or something else & get whatever it is treated....... so that I'm not in so much pain.

But, he said "protacol" is to admit me with high dose of steroids because its shown that when this is done for optic neuritis LESS people develop MS.  Well, my question is this........ I'm already being checked for MS now.... how important is being admitted for these steroids right now???

Thanks for any advice!
God Bless!
Amy

[ShakinThingzUp]

Anyone have the answer to this?

My doctor was still out today..... apparently she has the very "violent" type flu...

Thanks in advance for any help
Amy

[ampky]

I'm not a doc, but I think the eye doc wants you to get a high dose of steroids to reduce inflammation to relieve the neuritis.  Was he a neuro-opthamalagist?  Has any type of arteriitis (vasculitis) been considered?

[ShakinThingzUp]

The eye doc was very detailed in his explanation.  He said that now when someone gets acute optic neuritis, that they are given high doses of entravenous steriods to help reduce the chances that they will develop MS later.
I don't think they classify my optic neuritis as "acute" (not certain) because its a "mild" case of it.  My understanding is that he has asked my doctor to evaluate my medical history and determine if this is the best option for me or if it's unnecessary....
My doctor however, has been out of the office for two days - supposed to return today.  So, I hope to find something out today - one way or the other.
Optic neuritis apparently goes away on its own (especially since mine is mild).
To my knowledge, no one has considered vasculitis as of yet...

Thanks for responding... at least I know someone's out there listening.  :o)

God Bless!
Amy