Optic neuritis and the neuro-ophthalmology of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults. Since approximately 40% of the brain is devoted to vision, demyelination commonly affects visual function, resulting in a myriad of neuro-ophthalmic symptoms. In this chapter, we examine the seminal afferent and efferent neuro-ophthalmological manifestations of MS, highlighting those history and examination findings critical for the diagnosis and treatment of various visual and ocular motor disorders. Among the topics, a special emphasis will be placed on optic neuritis, the most common clinically isolated demyelinating syndrome. This chapter focuses on the evaluation and treatment of visual sensory and oculomotor disorders in MS. The objective is to provide the reader with a working model for enhancing their care of patients with demyelinating disease.