Optic neuritis

Optic neuritis is defined as inflammation of the optic nerve. It is one of the causes of acute loss of vision associated with pain. Optic neuritis can be the initial episode for a patient who will subsequently develop multiple sclerosis.  The diagnosis of optic neuritis is usually made clinically. Although direct imaging of the optic nerves by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is reserved for atypical cases, MRI of the brain yields information that can change management and yield prognostic information in terms of the patient's future risk for development of multiple sclerosis.  Optic neuritis may also be caused by other non-multiple sclerosis inflammatory conditions and infectious causes.  Prompt recognition and treatment is necessary for a positive prognosis in the case of optic neuritis.