Multiple Sclerosis Forum - Retrobulbar Neuritis

Conditions and Diseases > Multiple Sclerosis Forum > Retrobulbar Neuritis

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Q: Retrobulbar Neuritis

asked by: To Infinity and Beyond on April 2nd, 2008

New User

Hi Folks,

I'm a United Kingdom guy.

I have just been told I have Retrobulbar Neuritis. I had eye pain for about 2 weeks before blurred vision in left eye set in, which I've had for a month. Since pain first started is now 6 weeks though actual pain has now gone. My left eye still has the grey mist in lower part of vision.

Opthamologist said sometimes we don't know what causes it etc etc and not to reach too early conclusions about MS. Suggested I give it 6 weeks and see if it goes....this timeline takes me to 1 May.

He even jollied it along by saying he'd seen loads of RN which don't come to anything. All very reassuring.... to a point. But I know there's more than just a casual link to MS.

I do know RN is quite serious. It does damage, whatever the cause, and I'm not wanting to waste any time.

If I go to the Opthamologist again on 1 May, then I'm not seeing the Neurologist ( who I probably now should see. More time wasted.) Who will send me for MRI - will they definitely send me for one?

Even if the blurred vision goes ( as it sometimes does) I still would like a MRI to see if any damage has been done. How should I handle?

AS you can see I'm a bit in limbo like so many folks in this position.

Replies(6)

Dr. Nikola

replied on April 3rd, 2008

Doctor

Retrobulbar neuritis

Retrobulbar neuritis is the most common manifestation of multiple sclerosis, but clinically it does not provide enough evidence for doctors to make a precise diagnosis.

MS can be manifested with various neurological symptoms that either appear (relapse) and/or vanish (remission) after some period of time.

You need to consult a neurologist and request that a few more diagnostic procedures are done: CT/MRI of the brain, lumbar punition and evocated potentials test.

To Infinity and Beyond

replied on April 7th, 2008

New User

Thanks

Thanks Dr Nikola.

The blurr has lasted for about five weeks but is now reducing. Do you think I should still pursue the cause, or just be glad its leaving me? Do all Retrobulbar Neuritis cases cause demyelination of the Optic nerve, regardless of cause?

I suppose I'm wondering how likely it is that this occurence will show up on an MRI as a first occurence of demyelination.

Also, does anyone know how likely it is that I will have a recurrence of RN?

I know how linked to MS this can be so I don't want to just forget it because its nearly gone.

Many thanks

Dr. Nikola

replied on April 8th, 2008

Doctor

If retrobulbar neuritis occurs again, that will be a serious clinical evidence of having MS.

You don't need MRI to prove retrobulbar neuritis but you would need it if other neurological symptoms occur. In that case, you would probably need to do few more tests: lumbar punition (for searching lymphocytes and antibodies in the cerebrospinal liquor) and sensory evocated potentials.

Even if you really have MS, nobody can predict if and when retrobulbar neuritis will reoccur.

Debbnz

replied on February 16th, 2009

New User

Retrobulbar Neuritis

Hi I'm from New Zealand, 43 years old and female, I've had the same thing since beginning of December, and have been treated with steriods, vision still blurry, last day of steriods today after a minor setback at Xmas. Have had an MRI, CT scan and blood tests. No one is sure whats going to happen, as you need another 'episode' of some sort to conclude its MS. Its all a waiting game. Keen to know if your sight returns to normal or stays blurry like mine is doing!!

Hoping its stabilised and not too much damage has been done. Do you have an email address we could swap ideas, and keep in touch.

Kind regards
Debbie

keysersoze

replied on May 21st, 2009

New User

retrobulbar neuritis

in the caribbean.
I started getting silver/white flashes ever so often in the right corner of the right eye on monday, I was today told after a visit to the doctor that i have retrobulbar neuritis.
I read about it but exhibit non of the stated symptoms. this flasing is thought to be associated with ocular migraine, retinal tear or detachement of which non was detected.
Is this flashing a symptom of retrobulbar neuritis?
Thank you

totallyoverit

replied on November 2nd, 2009

New User

Retrobulbar nephritis

Hi, I have been diagnosed with Retrobulbar nephritis since I was 16 years old. I woke up one day with a blurry vision in left eye and after one week of it not going away my parents took me to an eye specialist. I have had every possible test done including lumbar punition, MRI, blood tests, some weird probes on my head to check the brain wawes cant remember it all now exactly, I was in the hospital for about 10 days and lots and lots of tests were done on me. Anyway nobody knew why I got it and everyone was puzzled that I got it at such a young age. My vision is about 80% in the left eye and I do have all the typical symptoms of the RN. I am 25 years old now and nothing has been different for all these years, I do get occasional sore eyes when i sit too long on the computer.

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