Can optic neuritis recover by itself?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Optic neuritis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, caused by an immune-inflammatory response of the body. Most patients with optic neuritis have severe immune dysfunction, making full recovery on their own very difficult. Although a very small number are fortunate enough to potentially self-heal without specific treatment, such cases are rare. Treatment for optic neuritis is essential because if left untreated, it could likely lead to permanent vision reduction. Additionally, the disease may also affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to clinical manifestations such as paralysis of limbs. Therefore, it is advisable to actively treat this condition. The primary treatment involves administration of corticosteroids and possibly long-term oral intake of immunomodulators to prevent recurrence. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)

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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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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.

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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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
58sec home-news-image

Can optic neuritis recover by itself?

Optic neuritis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, caused by an immune-inflammatory response of the body. Most patients with optic neuritis have severe immune dysfunction, making full recovery on their own very difficult. Although a very small number are fortunate enough to potentially self-heal without specific treatment, such cases are rare. Treatment for optic neuritis is essential because if left untreated, it could likely lead to permanent vision reduction. Additionally, the disease may also affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to clinical manifestations such as paralysis of limbs. Therefore, it is advisable to actively treat this condition. The primary treatment involves administration of corticosteroids and possibly long-term oral intake of immunomodulators to prevent recurrence. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 4sec home-news-image

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.