optic neuritis

[jewelery]

my 31 yr old daughter was diagnosed this week with optic neuritis. after 10 days of onset of pain and the feeling of a cloud in the eye. has the delay in diagnosis any influence on the length of the attack
she is receiving steroids,had a mri that shows  2  spots, her eye tests are all posotive
an lp was not performed
whats the prognosis
what should she do to maintain good health without having any more attacks, is this one  episode enough to diagnose MS

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Jewelery,

These are all great questions.  As you are aware, optic neuritis can serve as the presenting signs of MS about 20% of the time in patients with a normal MRI .  Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the nerve in the back of the eye and can cause pain, loss of color vision, and reduced vision.  Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which inflammation causes damage to the myelin sheaths covering nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.  Corticosteroids, intravenous followed by oral, can help in assisting with a more rapid recovery of optic neuritis.   Corticosteroid therapy helps to relieve the pain, enhance visual recovery and decrease the risk of developing MS over two years in patients whose MRI shows two or more plaques.  Immunomodulating agents such as interferon beta-1a and beta-1b can be help patients with two or more plaques.  

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear jewelery,

The best person to answer these questions is your daughters’ doctor(s). Each and every medicine has possible side effects.  With respect to pregnancy, the risks of taking the medicines will need to be considered alongside the benefits to her.  Her doctors will be able to assist.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Deb61]

I don't have the answer to your question, but wanted to invite you to the MS Forum on Medhelp.  See the link below:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/41

There's a lot of people diagnosed, undiagnosed, etc. that may have similar problems that your daughter has as many people with MS have had optic neuritis.  In the least, you probably will gain some friends or support.

Deb

[jewelery]

thank-u for your time and clear cut answer,Have u heard of a treatment of low dose
naltrexone to eliminate the probability of Ms presenting itself after optic neuritis/
is there any significance in the delay of beginning the steroids?
will taking the immunomodulating agents have any influence on my daughter decision to bcoming pregnant.