Abnormal VEP doesn't prove optic nerve damage

[tasha822]

I may start to rant a bit so please bear with me. Today I went to the eye doctor who diagnosed ON in my left eye last year. I went back today for more vision problems such as blurry and double vision along with a lot of pressure behind my eyes. WELL this doc told me in the same 10 min conversation that he was the first one to diagnose my ON and then went on to say at the end of conversation that I have never had it!!! When I explained to him that my neuro did a VEP and it came back showing severe damage, he said "that test is good for nothing, It proves nothing" Am I crazy? I and my husband were so befuddled that I got up an walked out!! Could someone please explain this to me? Does a VEP show nerve damage or not? Does it prove ON or not?Sorry this is so long but, I'm feeling a little CRAZY right now!

[Sidesteps]

I supposedly didn't have ON (my VEP doesn't have latency) but I have color variances between eyes. I am currently having an episode now and it's worse when the sun is out.

The differences I notice the most are; overall saturation (one eye sees everything darker or not bright.)The colors I notice the most are; greens, reds, browns, yellows and blues. In that order.

[SarahL2491]

this may be a bit off subject, but related to ON.  Occasionally when a flare of ON occurs, I have color difficulties in distinguishing them.  Anyone else have that problem?  What colors diffuse or change for you?  Just curious.

[COBOB]

The silver spot may not be ON.  I have never heard of a demyelinating lesion being visible on the optic disc.  Bulbar optic neuritis can sometimes show an optic disc with a "pale" edge or a swollen optic disc (papilledema.)  Only about 40% of ON cases are "bulbar" (inflammation of the optic nerve outside the brain.) Most caes of ON, can not be detected by an visual eye exam.

In my opinion, they need to do more testing.  Some people have normal variants. but the doctors may not be able to tell without additional tests.  

Bob

[sllowe]

Doc would have to tell you what kind of spot that is. Does sound like you are in good hands to me especially since this doc is going to call the other one and recommend more imaging.
This is all very positive progress for you, and happy to hear it.
-shell

[tasha822]

So Is the silver spot on my optic nerve a lesion ? Thats what I was trying to find out?

[sllowe]

If you can - Definitely drill down on the ON, and ask about MS risk if you have the chance - See this post and you'll understand why I mention. Lesions at the time of ON and increased risk:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS-RISK-AFTER-OPTIC-NEURITIS/show/664930

-Shell