OPTIC NEURITIS

Optic Neuritis

How ill If There's Disease in the Human Body. How ill, if we experience disease optic neuritis. We will certainly be disrupted activity uncomfortable. Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that transmit visual information from the eye to the brain. Pain and temporary vision loss are common symptoms of optic neuritis.

Optic neuritis usually develops associated with autoimmune disorders may be triggered by infection. In some people, signs and symptoms of optic neuritis may be an indication of multiple sclerosis.

Most people who experience one episode of optic neuritis can recover their sight. Treatment with steroid medications may speed recovery of vision after optic neuritis.

Optic neuritis may be caused by viral infections (especially in children), vaccination, meningitis, syphilis, certain autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, and intraocular inflammation (uveitis). Even so, the cause of optic neuritis is often unknown.

The exact cause of optic neuritis is not known with certainty. However, optic neuritis is believed to develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks the substance (myelin) covering the optic nerve. Thus resulting in inflammation and damage to the myelin.

Usually, myelin helps electrical impulses travel quickly along the optic nerve from the eye to the brain. In the brain, the electrical impulse is converted into visual information. Optic neuritis interfere with the process and affect vision.

However, it is uncertain what causes the immune system to attack myelin.

Autoimmune conditions are often associated with optic neuritis, among others:

• Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the system can attack the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. In people with optic neuritis, have a risk of progression that leads to multiple sclerosis.

• Neuromyelitis Optica

Other autoimmune conditions that can cause optic neuritis is neuromyelitis Optica. In this condition, inflammation occurs in the optic nerve and spinal cord.

Neuromyelitis Optica has similarities with multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis Optica but does not cause damage to the nerves in the brain of multiple sclerosis. Optic neuritis arising from neuromyelitis Optica tend to be more severe than optic neuritis associated with multiple sclerosis.

Other autoimmune conditions, such as sarcoidosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, has also been associated with optic neuritis. Not all potential causes of optic neuritis are autoimmune diseases. Another factor that has been associated with the development of optic neuritis include:

1. Infection

2. Cranial arteritis

3. Drugs

4. Radiation therapy

In addition, any process that result in inflammation or compression of the optic nerve, including tumors, nutritional deficiencies or toxins, may impair the ability of nerves to conduct electrical impulses. This can lead to vision loss and other symptoms that may mimic optic neuritis.

Optic neuritis causes vision loss, which may be mild or severe and can occur in one or both eyes. Vision loss can occur more than a day. Visions relating to the eye or eyes can range from almost normal until it is completely blind. Possible pain with eye movement. Depending on the cause, vision can recover only to deteriorate later in recurrent events in poor vision.

Optic neuritis can usually get better by itself. In some cases, steroid medications used to treat optic neuritis, because it can help reduce inflammation in the optic nerve. Possible side effects of steroid treatment include weight gain, mood changes, stomach disorders, and insomnia.

Most cases of optic neuritis will improve within a few months without treatment. However, in some cases, treatment with intravenous corticosteroids and other drugs can speed healing and reduce the likelihood of relapse. If a tumor pressing the optic nerve, vision usually improves as the pressure caused by the tumor has been removed.