Optic Neuritis

Question 1

What is optic neuritis?

Answer 1

Most common presentation of MS - demyelination of the optic nerve

Question 2

What are causes of optic neuritis?

Answer 2

• MS
• Sarcoidosis
• SLE
• Syphilis
• Measles/Mumps
• Lyme disease

Question 3

What are risk factors of optic neuritis?

Answer 3

• Aged 30-50
• Female
• White ethnicity

Question 4

How does Optic Neuritis present?

Answer 4

• Central scotoma (enlarged central blind spot)
• Pain with eye movement
• Impaired colour vision (red desaturation)
• Relative afferent pupillary defect
• Usually unilateral

Question 5

How is optic neuritis investigated?

Answer 5

MRI of brain/orbit with gadolinium contrast

Question 6

How is optic neuritis managed?

Answer 6

• Acute vision loss needs opthal review
• High dose steroids (methylprednisolone) - usually 4-6 weeks recovery