Optic Neuritis AGAIN

[Justagirl]

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? -

[reds]

Hi. I was just diagnosed with optic neuritis and of courese, I keep seeing correlations between that and MS. What I don't see is what else could have caused the optic neuritis. Any suggestions where I might find this information?

Thanks,

Concerned.

[vampire]

My husband had same history you placed for Comments.  He did go on to be diagnosed MS.  He has done extremly well.  Fatique is his main problem to date.  As often it is an on and off thing which is not uncommon to MS.  Hope you fare as well as he has.  His optic neuritis episondes were 15 years apart.  Lost total sight for about 2 weeks but now has 20 - 20 vision.  Good luck.

[Justagirl]

Thank you very much for your feedback - I will let you know how the MRI goes - cheers

[CCF Neuro[P]-M.D.-RPS]

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