How long is the recovery period for optic neuritis?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Optic neuritis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Besides affecting the optic nerve and causing a decrease in vision, it also impacts the brain's white matter and the spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as limb paralysis, numbness, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. Generally, the recovery period for optic neuritis is about six months, with the first three months being the most critical for recovery. If recovery has not occurred by six months, it is then considered a chronic phase, and further recovery becomes very challenging. It is crucial to diagnose and treat the condition promptly. Treatment primarily involves the use of corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, and potentially B-group vitamins to nourish the nerves. Overall, most patients with optic neuritis can recover substantially; however, the condition is prone to relapse, and the prognosis is poor if it reoccurs.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can people with optic neuritis eat spicy food?

Optic neuritis is essentially an inflammatory response of the immune system, primarily caused by disorders of the body's own immune functions. Patients with this condition are advised not to consume spicy foods, as these can lead to more pronounced immune dysfunction and potentially trigger these degenerative diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid spicy foods. Additionally, patients with optic neuritis often need to take corticosteroids or immunosuppressants long-term, and should not consume spicy foods while on these medications. Besides avoiding spicy foods, patients with optic neuritis should also focus on eating fresh vegetables and fruits to enhance resistance and adjust immune dysfunction. Furthermore, they should consume foods high in B vitamins, such as soybeans, millet, corn, and sorghum.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Early symptoms of optic neuritis

Optic neuritis primarily leads to a decline in vision in both eyes, though sometimes only one eye is affected. Diseases causing optic neuritis mainly include conditions like neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis, which are central nervous system demyelinating diseases. These are autoimmune response diseases caused by immune function disorder of the body itself. The initial symptoms of optic neuritis might include a decrease in immunity, making patients more susceptible to colds, and symptoms such as general fatigue, headaches, a runny nose, and a sore throat might appear. Some patients might also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. Additionally, some patients with optic neuritis might initially experience the sensation of foreign bodies moving in front of their eyes, along with other irritating visual symptoms. Treatment for optic neuritis must be prompt, as delayed treatment can lead to severe deterioration of vision, significantly impairing the patient's eyesight.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What vitamins to take for optic neuritis

Optic neuritis is primarily caused by the demyelination of the optic nerve. It is a type of central nervous system demyelinating disease. Therefore, patients with optic neuritis can take some vitamins, mainly B vitamins, including vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, etc. These can nourish the nerves and promote the regeneration of the myelin sheath. In addition, patients with optic neuritis also need to use some corticosteroids. Corticosteroids mainly suppress the immune response and inhibit the body's antibodies from damaging the myelin sheath of the optic nerve, playing a very important role in foundational treatment. Additionally, some severe cases of optic neuritis may even require the use of immunoglobulin and other immunosuppressive agents are also used in patients with 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.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How many days does optic neuritis require hospitalization?

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.