Optic neuritis

Question 1

What is the commonest associated disease with optic neuritis?

Answer 1

Multiple sclerosis

Other associated diseases include diabetes and syphilis.

Question 2

List the features of optic neuritis.

Answer 2

• Unilateral decrease in visual acuity over hours or days
• Poor discrimination of colours, ‘red desaturation’
• Pain worse on eye movement
• Relative afferent pupillary defect
• Central scotoma

Question 3

What is the diagnostic investigation for optic neuritis?

Answer 3

MRI of the brain and orbits with gadolinium contrast

This imaging technique is diagnostic in most cases.

Question 4

What is the management for optic neuritis?

Answer 4

High-dose steroids

Recovery usually takes 4-6 weeks.

Question 5

What does the prognosis indicate if MRI shows more than 3 white-matter lesions?

Answer 5

5-year risk of developing multiple sclerosis is approximately 50%

This statistic highlights the significance of MRI findings in assessing prognosis.

Question 6

True or False: Pain in optic neuritis is often worse on eye movement.

Answer 6

True

This symptom is characteristic of optic neuritis, which is commonly seen in multiple sclerosis.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: A _______ defect is a feature of optic neuritis.

Answer 7

relative afferent pupillary

This defect is assessed during a neurological examination.