Why does optic neuritis keep recurring?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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The recurrence rate of optic neuritis is quite high because this disease is a type of demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, caused by an immune dysfunction in the body. This immune dysfunction produces abnormal antibodies which attack the optic nerve, as well as the brain and spinal cord, leading to a variety of clinical manifestations. Therefore, as long as the patient's immune function is disordered and not corrected, recurrence is very likely to occur. To prevent the recurrence of optic neuritis, the main aspects include: First, regular physical exercise should be done to enhance physical fitness. Second, it is crucial to follow the doctor's advice and take corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants for a long time, which can help suppress the immune dysfunction. Third, dietary habits should also be carefully managed, with an increased intake of fresh vegetables and fruits and avoiding spicy and stimulating foods.

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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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Foods to avoid with optic neuritis

Optic neuritis usually causes a decline in the patient's vision, with noticeable decrease in either unilateral or bilateral vision. Commonly seen in clinical practice are simple optic neuritis, as well as optic neuritis caused by multiple sclerosis, and optic nerve pathology caused by neuromyelitis optica. Essentially, optic neuritis is an autoimmune disease, primarily caused by the demyelination of the optic nerve. In terms of diet, there are certain foods to avoid. First, spicy and stimulating foods. These types of food can disrupt the body's immune function, causing vascular nerve congestion, which is detrimental to the recovery of optic neuritis. Second, overly greasy foods. Foods that are too greasy can also affect the blood supply to the nerves, prolonging the recovery time of optic neuritis.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How long is the recovery period for optic neuritis?

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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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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How is optic neuritis treated?

Optic neuritis is generally caused by demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and retrobulbar neuritis, all of which can lead to the onset. The main symptoms include a decline in vision, which can affect one eye or both eyes. The treatment of optic neuritis primarily includes: First, the use of corticosteroids, which can alleviate the inflammatory response in the body and help in the recovery of optic nerve functions, is widely applied. Corticosteroids can be used systemically, and if necessary, administered retrobulbarly. Second, the intake of other immunosuppressants and immunoregulatory treatments, mainly during the remission phase, is to prevent relapse. Third, treatment can also involve the use of intravenous immunoglobulin, although it is relatively expensive. Additionally, it is necessary to take some B vitamins for related treatment.