Managing MS Symptoms
Optic neuritis
Optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve, presents as sudden onset of visual blurring or loss of vision in one eye, particularly in the central visual field. Eye movement may bring on pain, light flashes, or other visual symptoms. The eye pain may occur prior to, or concurrent with, the onset of visual acuity loss.
Optic neuritis is the initial symptom for 16 % of people with MS and is a common occurrence during the course of the disease. Onset to peak presentation usually happens within 4 days, and most recovery is usually achieved by about 5 weeks, although some improvement may continue for up to a year. The pain usually resolves more quickly than the visual acuity. Treatment with corticosteroids may be introduced and is especially effective at reducing the pain associated with ON. Fifty percent (50%) or more of people experiencing an onset in the absence of a diagnosis of MS will go on to develop MS at a later date.
Key Healthcare Professionals:
Neurologist, ophthalmologist.
Symptom Management:
Supportive management of pain and consider safety and driving issues if visual loss is present.
Other Resources:
An MS Society of Canada website that provides information on a variety of topics. Information is provided by a range of North American experts who respond to inquires from individuals affected by MS.
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