Are your MS symptoms playing hide and seek?
Twenty more days until MS Awareness Month, yet MS symptoms have no calendar schedule. They are every day.
And every day sometimes brings something new to the table. something different, something frightening, something intellectually stimulating.
I began my Gilyenya journey several months ago and so far things seem to be A-Ok. But we need to be on top of our treatments with a daily check. Is there anything different from yesterday in my walking gait, mental abilities, eye sight? I know we are not doctors.
No, we are not. We are something much moire powerful.
We are Warriors of MS. We are the experts. We know more than any medical professional how we feel.
No, we are not. We are something much moire powerful.
We are Warriors of MS. We are the experts. We know more than any medical professional how we feel.
Lately I have been experiencing some rather strange headaches that begin right behind my eyes. I also feel kind of nauseous. (OR is it nauseated? I always get that confused.) So, I began reading up on this thing called optic neuritis. I don’t know if it is the culprit or not, but this is something of which we Warriors should be aware.
As with every other single symptom we tend to second guess ourselves. Is this MS-related? Or is it old age? Gender exclusive? An unknown birth defect? Am I just too hyper sensitive to my physical condition? Was that tequila shot something else entirely?
So many questions, so little time. But we must ask them. MS has no rules. Questions brought medical science to the place we are today: Not institutionalized for odd behavior. Yep. Individuals exhibiting unusual behavior (as related to MS, MD, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and other difficult diagnosis) were thrown in the psych ward even in the 1950’s; and , no, youngsters, that was NOT that long ago.
So, with the help of dedicated medical professionals, we know so much more about our demons. Toss out those shackles and get busy learning about the MonSter.
One thing we have learned is that even with all the drugs on the market that promise to help our MS pains, they are not the answer. Why? Because we will not know the answer(s) without patient participation. That involves asking questions, documenting changes in physical/mental/emotional behavior, and discussing your findings. we Warriors are the official research team for our neuros. Don’t believe me? Just ask yours.
I digress. My point is that there are numerous hidden symptoms of multiples sclerosis. the issue is that we do not know if they are truly symptoms without a little research.
So, I am researching one of my possible hidden symtoms.
So, with the help of dedicated medical professionals, we know so much more about our demons. Toss out those shackles and get busy learning about the MonSter.
One thing we have learned is that even with all the drugs on the market that promise to help our MS pains, they are not the answer. Why? Because we will not know the answer(s) without patient participation. That involves asking questions, documenting changes in physical/mental/emotional behavior, and discussing your findings. we Warriors are the official research team for our neuros. Don’t believe me? Just ask yours.
I digress. My point is that there are numerous hidden symptoms of multiples sclerosis. the issue is that we do not know if they are truly symptoms without a little research.
So, I am researching one of my possible hidden symtoms.
What is Optic Neuritis?
Because I lifted this info from a previously published article, it may be necessary use the link below to access the additional links in red:
Optic Neuritis Treatment – Symptoms, Causes, And Diagnosis + Tips To Prevent
Medically reviewed by Caroline Duncan, MD
Optic neuritis (ON) is a medical condition resulting from the inflammation of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for carrying visual information from your eyes to your brain. An inflammation in this nerve can cause temporary vision loss in one or both eyes and may also be accompanied by pain. However, as the inflammation subsides, you are likely to get your vision back.
Optic neuritis is also referred to as optic papillitis if the affected part of the nerve is the head, or as retrobulbar neuritis if the posterior part of the optic nerve is involved. When both parts of the optic nerve are inflamed, the condition is known as bilateral optic neuritis.
Most individuals affected by optic neuritis tend to get their vision back in 2 to 3 months. But it may take up to 12 months for complete recovery.
The onset of optic neuritis is typically characterized by three common symptoms.
Signs And Symptoms
Individuals who develop optic neuritis usually exhibit three major symptoms. They are:
Other symptoms that may also be seen in individuals with optic neuritis are:
Most cases of optic neuritis are idiopathic, i.e., their cause remains undetected. However, conditions and factors that are believed to cause optic neuritis are listed below.
Causes Of And Risk Factors For Optic Neuritis
One of the most commonly known causes of optic neuritis is multiple sclerosis (MS). Other diseases that are associated with the development of optic neuritis are:
Infections that are associated with optic neuritis are:
Other factors that can also put you at a higher risk of developing optic neuritis include:
In rare cases, optic neuritis can also lead to complications.
Complications
Complications that may arise from optic neuritis are:
Eye conditions are often serious and can cause permanent loss of vision and other issues related to it. Therefore, in the event of any of the following, consult your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.
When To See A Doctor?
You should contact your doctor immediately if:
You can also visit your doctor to confirm your condition and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
Diagnosis
The ophthalmologist may conduct any of the following tests to diagnose your condition:
A few other tests that may be used for diagnosing optic neuritis include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood tests, and optical coherence tomography.
Your doctor may also ask you to return for a follow-up appointment.
Once you are diagnosed with optic neuritis, you may be assisted in a number of ways to help improve your condition faster. The following are some of the medications often prescribed to patients with optic neuritis to reduce the inflammation of the optic nerve.
Medical Treatments
Medical treatments for optic neuritis usually include:
These therapies help in speeding your recovery from optic neuritis. On the downside, such medical treatments may also lead to varying side effects like weight gain, mood changes, insomnia, facial flushing, etc.
If you want to combat optic neuritis without having to face the side effects associated with the potential medications used to treat this, here are some excellent natural alternatives.
Okay, so far I’ve given you a short explanation from what I believe to be a reliable source. This article continues to on with proven information that MAY NOT BE FOR EVERYONE, so consult a professional before self-treating yourself.
How To Treat Optic Neuritis Naturally
8 Natural Remedies To Treat Optic Neuritis
1. Vitamins
Many vitamins have a positive effect on individuals with optic neuritis. Vitamins C, D, and B12 were found to be effective in treating cases of optic neuritis (2), (3), (4).
To aid in restoring these varying deficiencies, you can consume foods rich in these nutrients like citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, fresh fish, cheese, eggs, poultry, and dairy. You can also take additional supplements that provide these vitamins after having a word with your doctor or healthcare provider.
2. Essential Oils
a. Lavender Oil
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
Why This Works
Lavender essential oil is one of the best remedies for treating optic neuritis. It exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities that soothe inflammation of the optic nerve (5). Lavender oil also helps in reducing pain and headaches associated with optic neuritis.
b. Peppermint Oil
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once daily.
Why This Works
Peppermint oil is soothing, cooling, and pain-relieving – thanks to its menthol content. These properties of peppermint oil help in combating the pain and inflammation associated with optic neuritis (6).
3. Soybean Milk
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Drink this once daily.
Why This Works
The anti-inflammatory activities of soybean help in relieving pain and inflammation (7). Regular consumption of soy milk can work wonderfully in treating an inflamed optic nerve.
Note
This study was conducted on a population
4. Barley
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Drink this mixture 1 to 2 times daily.
Why This Works
Barley is a rich source of nutrients like selenium and magnesium. These nutrients exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory activities that are quite effective in reducing inflammation associated with optic neuritis (8).
5. Epsom Salt
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once daily for a few weeks.
Why This Works
One of the main constituents of Epsom salt is magnesium. Magnesium reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines in the body (9).
6. Cold Compress
You Will Need
A cold compress
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 to 3 times daily.
Why This Works
Cold compresses help reduce the inflammation and pain in the affected eye. This is because cold compresses have numbing and anti-inflammatory effects that can help manage the pain and reduce swelling of the optic nerve (10).
7. Green Tea
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Drink green tea twice daily for optimum benefits.
Why This Works
Green tea is full of beneficial polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help treat inflammatory diseases like optic neuritis (11).
8. Yogurt
You Will Need
1 bowl of plain yogurt
What You Have To Do
Consume a bowl of plain yogurt.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once every other day.
Why This Works
Yogurt is a rich source of many nutrients like vitamin b12, calcium, and potassium that can help alleviate the symptoms of optic neuritis and its inflammatory symptoms (12).
Caution
If you have an allergy or sensitivity to dairy, avoid yogurt made from cow’s milk.
Optic neuritis is an inflammatory condition and what you eat also plays a major role in your recovery. For better effectiveness of the home remedies, follow the diet tips discussed below.
Best Diet For Optic Neuritis
If you have been suffering from optic neuritis, you should try and stick to an anti-inflammatory diet. When possible, aim for organic produce and free-range grass-fed animal products.
What To Eat
You should also avoid certain foods to allow your treatment options to work better.
What Not To Eat
In short, a gluten-free diet or one that is as low as possible in refined sugars and genetically modified grains is appropriate to speed your recovery from optic neuritis.
There are also lifestyle changes you can make to prevent your optic nerve from becoming inflamed in the future. Follow diet rich in nutritional foods and avoid foods that are pro-inflammatory.
Your eyes are an integral part of your being, and they need to be treasured and cared for. If you see no improvement in your condition despite following these tips and remedies, visit your doctor immediately and avail a further diagnostic workup and treatment if necessary.
We hope this post helps you and anybody you know in dealing with optic neuritis. If you have further concerns, please feel free to get in touch with us in the comments section below.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
How long does optic neuritis last?
Symptoms of optic neuritis usually improve in about three months. However, some individuals may take longer, say 12 months, to show complete improvement.
Is optic neuritis permanent?
There is an 85% chance for those suffering from optic neuritis to permanently damage their optic nerve. But optic neuritis in itself is not permanent and usually resolves in 4 to 12 weeks.
Can glasses help optic neuritis?
Glasses cannot help with symptoms of color blindness or any other symptoms associated with optic neuritis but can help with blurry vision.
How do you know if your optic nerve is damaged?
If your vision has become relatively decreased all of a sudden and if it is also accompanied by pain around your eyes, there is a high chance that you may have damaged your optic nerve.
References
Feel educated?
Good.
Now lets’s get to the really good stuff.
Who out there is reading with me?
I am nearly half way through
Folks, this is n absolute MUST read. Rachel Hollis does not have MS, so don’t think you are gong to share your MS war stories with her. You won’t need to. Her advice, though, on every day living is ridiculously insightful, inspirational, and so, so real. I am not going in depth with my review just yet. I’ll wait until the final page.
But, if you are not on my reading band wagon, please consider taking this journey with me.
I will be reading two books this month and you do not need to read them both, but sharing insight is fun.
If cleaning your complexion doesn’t sound like fun, Stumbling in Flats may be more your cup of tea. I have not started this one yet, but am anxious to get started. I also like that Rachel Hollis and Barbara Stensland share a love for Converse. (I bought the red ones, but haven’t committed to another pair yet:)
That’s all I’ve got for this morning. I need to get ready for physical therapy, which has been a life saver. Although I stretch at home, Rebecca forces me to pay really close attention to what my body is actually doing. Thank you, Rebecca! We are all not luck enough to have a Rebecca i nour lives, so do yourself a favor and pay attention to your own hidden MS symptoms this weekend.
Have a good one,
Lisa
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