optic neuritis

How a neuro-ophthalmologist differs from an optometrist

After six hours of sitting in the ER waiting room, I wondered if, instead of coming here, my optometrist could’ve recognized my optic neuritis attack and prescribed me Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone) and oral steroids. An emergency appointment with my optometrist certainly would’ve taken less time than waiting for a…

Immunotherapy Clears Optic Neuritis, Lesions Prior to Symptoms

Giving immunosuppressive therapy to patients with antibodies against aquaporin-4 protein (AQP4) and optic neuritis but no symptoms may help resolve observed lesions and prevent a relapse of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a case report suggests. The case study, “Radiologically isolated aquaporin-4 antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder,” was…

Rare, Simultaneous NMOSD Diagnosis Seen in Identical Twins

A case report has detailed the clinical journeys of two identical twin sisters’ simultaneous diagnosis with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a rare occurrence. NMOSD was last reported in identical twin sisters in 1938, but those girls’ symptoms started two years apart,  unlike the present case. The case report,…

In the Blink of an Eye, My Vision Was Threatened

When I was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and five years later, properly diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), I was told that a hallmark symptom of each disease was optic neuritis. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the optic nerve, causing inflammation, which can lead to…