A Comparative Review of Typical and Atypical Optic Neuritis: Advancements in Treatments, Diagnostics, and Prognosis

Authors

Noah J. Spillers, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Patrick M. Luther, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Norris C. Talbot, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Evan J. Kidder, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Connor A. Doyle, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Salim C. Lutfallah, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Alyssa G. Derouen, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Sridhar Tirumala, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Sahar Shekoohi, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Giustino Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Rome, ITA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-13-2024

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Optic neuritis (ON) is a debilitating condition that through various mechanisms, including inflammation or demyelination of the optic nerve, can result in partial or total permanent vision loss if left untreated. Accurate diagnosis and promptly initiated treatment are imperative related to the potential of permanent loss of vision if left untreated, which can lead to a significant reduction in the quality of life in affected patients. ON is subtyped as "typical" or "atypical" based on underlying causative etiology. The etiology of ON can be differentiated when appropriate diagnostic testing is performed. Using history taking, neuroimaging, and visual testing to localize the underlying pathology of ON in a time-sensitive manner is critical in mitigating these unsatisfactory outcomes. Herein, we examine the differences in presentation, pathophysiology, and treatments of typical ON causes, like multiple sclerosis (MS), and atypical causes such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-immunoglobulin G (IgG) ON. The present investigation places focus on both neuroimaging and visual imaging in the differentiation of ON. Additionally, this review presents physicians with a better understanding of different presentations, treatments, and prognoses of ON.

First Page

e56094

PubMed ID

38618469

Volume

16

Issue

3

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Spillers, Noah J.; Luther, Patrick M.; Talbot, Norris C.; Kidder, Evan J.; Doyle, Connor A.; Lutfallah, Salim C.; Derouen, Alyssa G.; Tirumala, Sridhar; Ahmadzadeh, Shahab; Shekoohi, Sahar; Kaye, Alan D.; and Varrassi, Giustino, "A Comparative Review of Typical and Atypical Optic Neuritis: Advancements in Treatments, Diagnostics, and Prognosis" (2024). School of Medicine Faculty Publications. 2495.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/som_facpubs/2495
10.7759/cureus.56094