How many days does optic neuritis require hospitalization?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Patients with optic neuritis generally experience a decrease in vision, which may occur in one eye or in both if both optic nerves are involved. This condition is often caused by non-specific inflammatory responses that lead to the demyelination of the optic nerve, such as in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, leading to changes in optic neuritis. This condition is quite severe and requires hospitalization. If not treated promptly, it can cause permanent vision loss, severely affecting the patient's future life. Typically, hospitalization lasts about 10-14 days. During this period, comprehensive examinations including MRI and lumbar puncture are needed, along with high-dose corticosteroid treatment lasting 10-14 days. After discharge, the patient must continue taking oral medications and undergo rehabilitation training.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What tests need to be done for optic neuritis?

Optic neuritis is usually caused by demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, and generally requires the following examinations to be completed. First, it is necessary to complete an MRI scan of the optic nerve to assess if there is any abnormal swelling or abnormal signals in the optic nerve. Second, these patients also need to undergo brain MRI and spinal cord MRI scans, as optic neuritis patients may experience demyelination of brain white matter and the spinal cord. Third, it is important to complete examinations of serum and cerebrospinal fluid for aquaporin-4 antibodies. If this antibody is positive, it is of significant reference value for the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica. Additionally, visual evoked potentials and examinations like OCT of the fundus are also necessary.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can optic neuritis patients run?

Patients with optic neuritis generally suffer from demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. In addition to optic neuritis, it can also affect the spinal cord, causing inflammation of the spinal cord. The nature of this disease is caused by the disorder of the body’s immune function. During the acute phase of the disease, the body is relatively weak, and the immune function is disordered; it is suitable for rest in bed. It is not recommended to engage in high-intensity exercise like running, as it is not beneficial for the recovery of the disease; this stage should focus on rest. If optic neuritis has been treated with corticosteroids and other treatments and the clinical symptoms have alleviated, and the patient's physical function has significantly recovered, it is then advisable to engage in running to exercise the body and enhance physical fitness. Participating in these physical activities can improve the patient's immune function and may prevent another attack.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can optic neuritis be treated without hospitalization?

Patients with optic neuritis generally experience severe symptoms, as failing to receive appropriate treatment can lead to a significant and potentially irreversible decline in vision, resulting in disability. It is recommended that patients with optic neuritis be hospitalized for treatment. Hospitalization is necessary to carry out various supportive tests, including lumbar puncture lab tests and comprehensive MRI scans. Treatment of optic neuritis also involves administering high doses of corticosteroids based on the patient's condition. It is difficult for patients to manage such high doses of corticosteroids at home. Moreover, doctors need to closely monitor for any adverse reactions caused by these steroids. Therefore, hospitalization is advised for the treatment of optic neuritis, as the risks and prognosis are considerably worse without it.

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Neurology
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Acupuncture treatment for optic neuritis

Optic neuritis is generally caused by demyelinating diseases, which are commonly seen in neurology such as multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica. These conditions affect the function of the optic nerve, leading to a noticeable decline in the patient's vision. In addition to the use of high doses of steroids during the acute phase of treatment, ophthalmology can also administer corticosteroids via retrobulbar injection for corresponding treatment, along with some immunomodulatory therapies. In the field of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture treatment is advocated for vision impairment caused by optic neuritis. Studies suggest that acupuncture can help improve vision recovery and is effective in improving the active vision of the eyeball. This treatment can generally continue from two weeks to about two months. Many patients report that acupuncture treatment tends to have a relatively good prognosis. Hence, apart from pharmacological treatments, acupuncture can be utilized as an adjunct therapy for optic neuritis.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How is optic neuritis diagnosed?

Optic neuritis is classified as an ophthalmological or neurological disorder, caused by demyelination of the central nervous system. Diagnosis of this condition is crucial, and the following tests are recommended: Firstly, visual evoked potentials should be performed. This test can clearly show the corresponding lesions in the optic nerve. Secondly, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the optic nerve is needed. MRI can reveal changes in the optic nerve, such as thickening and edema. Thirdly, some blood tests related to bleeding should be conducted. Specifically, testing for aquaporin-4 antibodies to determine if it is neuromyelitis optica. Additionally, a lumbar puncture is also necessary. This primarily aims to check for demyelination markers, such as oligoclonal bands. Once optic neuritis is diagnosed, timely treatment is required, mainly using corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin.