Optic Neuritis

Excellent page on info and symptom management — www.nationalmssociety.org/for-professionals/for-healthcare-p...

#MultipleSclerosis #OpticNeuritis #MightyTogether #ChronicIllness #autoimmune #newlydiagnosed #Disability #Caregiving

I asked Meta AI if a narrowing optic chiasm can cause double vision. This is what it says:

Yes, a narrowing optic chiasm can potentially cause double vision, also known as diplopia. Here's why:

# Anatomy and Function

The optic chiasm is a critical structure in the brain where the optic nerves from both eyes cross. This crossing enables binocular vision and allows for depth perception.

# Effects of Narrowing

Narrowing of the optic chiasm can disrupt normal visual processing, leading to various symptoms, including:

1. *Double vision (diplopia)*: Images seen by each eye may not align properly, causing double vision.

2. *Visual field defects*: Loss of peripheral vision or blind spots.

3. *Blurred vision*: Distorted or blurry vision.

4. *Eye strain*: Fatigue or discomfort due to increased visual effort.

# Causes of Optic Chiasm Narrowing

Several conditions can cause optic chiasm narrowing, including:

1. *Pituitary tumors*: Benign or malignant growths pressing on the optic chiasm.

2. *Brain injuries*: Trauma or concussions affecting the optic chiasm.

3. *Infections*: Meningitis or encephalitis.

4. *Inflammatory conditions*: Multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis or optic neuritis.

5. *Genetic disorders*: Certain inherited conditions.

# Diagnosis and Treatment

If you're experiencing double vision or other visual symptoms, consult an ophthalmologist or neurologist. Diagnosis typically involves:

1. *Imaging tests*: MRI or CT scans to visualize the optic chiasm.

2. *Visual field testing*: Assessing peripheral vision.

3. *Neurological examination*: Evaluating brain function.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, ranging from:

1. *Surgery*: Removing tumors or correcting anatomical issues.

2. *Medications*: Managing inflammation, infections or tumors.

3. *Rehabilitation*: Vision therapy or physical therapy.

Consult a medical professional for personalized advice and diagnosis.

#opticchiasm #DoubleVision

Earlier in Febuary I got the flu. As I was recovering I started to slowly lose my vision. I was taken to the hospital where we found out I have optic neuritis. Which than later turned into bilateral optic neuritis spreading to both eyes. I was in so much pain and they put me on IV steroids for about 7 days. I then got to go home and take them orally. I started with 80 mg for two weeks and am tapering down to 0. Currently on 30mg. The side effects are making me very depressed. I've gained so much weight in my mid section, neck, and face. I have to have a low sugar and low carb diet to prevent ny blood sugar from spiking. My hair is falling out in clumps. My back hurts, I'm shaky, I'm CONSTANTLY sweating, insomnia, acne on my shoulders, water retention.... you name it.
And still.... we don't know what caused my body to develop optic neuritis. They are doing so many tests for autoimmune. L.. but I just eant answers because I want to see clearly again and not have so much pain.
This is my MOON FACE. I am so scared that it may never go back to normal. I feel so self conscious because when I see people i know they obviously notice how much weight I've gained. #OpticNeuritis #MoonFace #Steroids #MentalHealth #AutoimmuneDisorder #MultipleSclerosis #ChronicIllness

I did something today so major, so big that I'm still spinning from it.
I quit my job today, yes I quit my job!
I was diagnosed with RRMS last May, I've been In crappy shape even before the diagnosis. But even after the diagnosis and feeling the worst I've ever felt health wise, I kept on working, with just 1 week off from my first hospital stay from my diagnosis, with optic neuritis, partial blindness, severe pain and dead smack in the middle of my first major flare up, my ass went back to work after 1 week. I went back to my 10 hour a day, no breaks, crazy stressful pharmacy job. I lasted 5 more months before I just couldn't do it anymore.
So I went straight from there to a bank teller job, which where it wasn't physically straining, it was every bit of stressful and mentally exhausting.
I've lasted there 6 months, until I just cried my eyes out this evening to my husband. I told him I'm tired of giving my energy and what little I have in me daily to places that could care less about me or my health, instead of giving it to my kids and him. The ones who deserve to have me at my best for as long as they can. He has been pushing me to start trying to get my SSDI. So he looked at me and said I love you, and I want you to be ok for as long as your body allows. I want you to put you first for once and not worry about money or worry about giving up on working. He told me to give all my worries to him to figure out, that I've fought long and hard enough and to for once think of myself.
So I did just that. I texted my boss and told her I was no longer coming back, dropped my keys in the night deposit box, and felt a load of weight off my shoulders dissappear. Am I scared? Yes! Am I uncertain? Yes! Do I know what I'm getting myself in to? No! But I believe God has me in his hands and will see us through, because he knows too that I need to rest and my kiddos need a mom who can be all in , instead of sick all the time. And my husband needs his wife back. I can't keep pouring from a empty cup. Please pray for me to step off of this unknown and to do it as bravely as I can. Also, anyone who has applied or have gotten their SSDI off of their work points, how difficult was it? How long did it take? I'm going to be getting a lawyer to help me. I live in Kentucky.
#MultipleSclerosis