Hi all, I’m after advice really, I’m currently suffering from my second bout of optic neuritis, (and weird tingling going in hands and arms) I know that optic neuritis can be a CIS, I just haven’t read of the chances of being diagnosed with MS after two bouts of optic neuritis. I’m having an MRI next week, the first MRI was inconclusive there were lessons, but not enough for definitive diagnosis. I guess my question is, if you get optic neuritis twice, are you really looking at a Diagnosis of MS? Thanks very much for your help!
It’s a case of time and space; time there must be at least 24 hours between attacks; space (unfortunately this is a vague point with Optic Neuritis (ON) it must be inflammation in a different area. With ON if it is not in the other eye how do you know it’s in another place.
Your MRI may confirm a diagnosis; is both your hands tingly? That could possibly be more inflammation but only your Neurologist and their knowledge will be able to tell.
Remember under the McDonald Criteria you can be diagnosed with one lesion; but obviously you must have a history and other tests must be positive.
http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/diagnosingms.html
http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/DiagnosticCriteria.html
George
This is from Doctor Geoff who is an excellent authority on MS matters.
Note that a lot of “experts” are abandoning the McDonald Criteria for first diagnosis.
In the MS, a VEP (Visually Evoked Potentials) test confirming Optic Neuritis is enough for a Dx of MS.
This can result in quicker treatment (like a DMD) than going the McDonald route.
Do note that a Lumbar Puncture can only confirm, it should not be the only diagnostic tool.
Of course you can have symptoms (pain, numbness, etc) on both sides - this is a good clue to Transverse Myelitis which is usually a precursor of MS.
You may be left with a symptom on one side - dropped foot is typical - but that could be month or years down the line.
Geoff
Thank you so much for your help Geoff and George, really helpful links. Takes again! Xx