Prognosis

The inflammation of the optic nerve, which develops in the course of multiple sclerosis, usually heals when the relapse therapy is initiated. After a period of 1-2 weeks the inflammation usually subsides and the symptoms should also disappear during this time. Over 90% of those affected regain a visual acuity of 0.5 after the inflammation has subsided, while over 70% of people with optic neuritis achieve a visual acuity of 1.0.

The course of optic neuritis, which occurs in the context of multiple sclerosis, can vary greatly. The course and duration of the inflammation depends largely on whether the inflammation responds to therapy. Acute optic nerve inflammation in the context of multiple sclerosis often announces a relapse, which often passes after a suitable relapse therapy.

However, it is quite possible that the inflammation will reoccur in the course of a new relapse. The inflammation can also persist for a long time and be so severe that blindness is imminent. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease.

The individual course can vary greatly and is difficult to assess. If the inflammation of the insulating layer of the nerves in the central nervous system progresses widely and causes inflammation of the optic nerve, blindness is possible.In this case the nerve is so severely inflamed that important cells perish and vision is severely restricted or completely impossible. When and whether blindness occurs in an individual case cannot be predicted.

The inflammation of the optic nerve can develop very rapidly and have a very different course in each individual case. It is not possible to predict how long the inflammation of the optic nerve will persist. If the inflammation of the optic nerve occurs in the course of a relapse of multiple sclerosis, treatment with cortisone therapy can improve the inflammation.

An improvement of the symptoms and thus the inflammation is common after about 1-2 weeks. If the symptoms persist for longer than 2 months, an improvement of the symptoms is unlikely. In this case, the nerve is so severely damaged that an improvement cannot be achieved.