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Optic Neuritis
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.
Will optic neuritis definitely cause blindness?
Optic neuritis is relatively common in neurology. It is a central nervous system demyelinating disease where the optic nerve is affected, leading to a significant decline in vision. However, patients with optic neuritis do not necessarily go blind. With prompt examination and treatment, mainly using corticosteroids, many patients can significantly recover their vision. However, neuromyelitis optica, another disease, tends to recur frequently. If there are many recurrences, it may lead to blindness. It may also cause corresponding lesions in the spinal cord, leading to paralysis and sensory disorders of the limbs. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to receive proper treatment in neurology, including immunosuppressants, and to regularly exercise to enhance physical fitness.
Optic neuritis treated with steroids
Optic neuritis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, primarily including optic neuritis caused by multiple sclerosis, as well as neuromyelitis optica and retrobulbar neuritis, among others. These diseases are caused by abnormal immune responses of the body and are closely related to immune dysfunction. Therefore, optic neuritis is mainly treated with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids can inhibit the body's immune response to achieve the purpose of alleviating the disease. However, the use of steroids should also pay attention to some related risks. For instance, there might be occurrences of osteoporosis and even osteonecrosis of the femoral head, potential disturbances in electrolyte, fat, and sugar metabolism in the body, the possibility of developing centripetal obesity, and the potential for gastric ulcers. Close monitoring is essential, and other immunosuppressants may be added if necessary. (Use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)
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.
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.
What should one eat for optic neuritis?
Optic neuritis is generally caused by the demyelination of the optic nerve, presenting as a clinical syndrome. Patients mainly exhibit significant vision loss, which can affect one or both eyes. It is crucial for those suffering from optic neuritis to receive timely treatment, including the consumption of group B vitamins and corticosteroid medications. Dietary considerations are also important: first, patients should consume foods rich in B vitamins, which include lean meats, fish, soybeans, buckwheat, corn, millet, and sorghum, all of which contain abundant B vitamins. Second, a higher intake of fresh vegetables and fruits is advised, as these contain plenty of folic acid and vitamins, which can aid in the recovery from optic neuritis. Third, the consumption of foods rich in vitamin B12, essential for the formation of myelin in the optic nerve, is also important.
How long should optic neuritis hormone be used?
Optic neuritis hormone treatment generally lasts about two to three weeks. Prolonged use of hormones may lead to dependency. If symptoms gradually improve, the dosage of hormonal medications can be slowly reduced and eventually stopped. Long-term use may lead to side effects such as obesity, acne, and necrosis of the femoral head. Optic neuritis primarily involves demyelination of the optic nerve, causing changes in the optic nerve. It is important to exercise moderately, strengthen physical health, and enhance immunity in daily life. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits, and avoid spicy, stimulating, and hard-to-digest foods. Engage in outdoor aerobic activities, such as walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling.
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.
What tests are done for optic neuritis?
Optic neuritis is generally caused by demyelinating diseases, including common conditions such as neuromyelitis optica, multiple sclerosis, and retrobulbar neuritis. These diseases can severely impact the patient's vision and create significant burdens. Typically, examinations of the optic nerve are required, covering several aspects. First, an examination of the fundus is necessary, generally using an ophthalmoscope or other devices to observe the optic disc and surrounding blood vessels, which is very important. Second, a visual evoked potential test can be conducted. This test helps assess whether there is damage to the optic nerve and the severity of the damage. Third, it is necessary to complete an MRI of the optic nerve. Evaluations might include a lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid, and complete tests related to water channels, protein antibodies, oligoclonal bands, etc., to help confirm the diagnosis.
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.