Vision Problems May Be the First Sign of Multiple Sclerosis
New York, NY–Optic neuritis—characterized by swelling and destruction of optic nerve insulating material called “myelin”—is often the first manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Jane Chan, MD, who is an associate professor of neurology and ophthalmology at the University of Kentucky, details the risk factors, different causes, examinations for, and treatments in her article entitled “Optic Neuritis in Multiple Sclerosis.”
This article is featured in the Spring 2008 issue of Multiple Sclerosis Quarterly Report (MSQR) Online, now available at http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/msqr/.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the most effective method of predicting the development of MS in patients presenting first-time acute optic neuritis. Treatments with medications such as intravenous anti-inflammatory drugs and injectable interferon beta-1a and interferon beta-1b have proven to reduce the development of MS in patients at high risk.
In a second feature article, Dean Wingerchuk, MD, MSc, FRCP(C), reviews recent progress in research and treatment of neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic’s disease. Once thought to be a severe form of MS that results in total blindness and paralysis, researchers now believe NMO is probably a distinct disease. The most convincing evidence to support this argument is the discovery of a blood antibody called NMO-lgG—found in patients with NMO but not in those with MS.
Dr. Wingerchuk’s article also discusses treatments for NMO attacks, including the use of intravenous anti-inflammatory drugs and plasmapheresis, a blood purification procedure. Presently, the most promising treatment to suppress future attacks appears to be immunological therapies, but Dr. Wingerchuk concludes that “more specific, safe, and well-tolerated therapies are needed for NMO.”