Optic neuritis on MRI 6mo later?

[mossytangle]

At the end of November, I had a major problem with my left eye. (I'm 32.) Overnight, my vision went from normal to an absolute blur. (I could see nothing on the Snellen chart.) I saw the ophthalmologist about it two weeks in, but he could see nothing inside my eye that might have caused the problem. Although that is a common finding in optic neuritis, he would not diagnose it as optic neuritis because my problem was completely painless. (Which I realize is quite atypical, but not unheard of.) He gave me an OTC scan to "check for ischemia," which was not found. However, I have *bilateral* RNFL thinning in spite of having quite low intraocular pressure.

The acute phase of my eye problem was over after 2 or 3 weeks. I could drive again, read bright screens just fine (with my newly-acquired, OTC reading glasses.) But 8 weeks later, I am still having a lot of trouble with poor contrast, close-up depth perception, slight double-vision, and movement tracking. I did not have a VEP test, but my left eye seems to be "laggy." It takes a bit longer than it should to focus. If I were not a crafy type of person that works with my hands a lot, I would almost not notice that my eye is still not quite right.

I have a repeat OTC scheduled with the ophthalmologist in May. I suspect that the OCT will show further RNFL thinning in my left eye, consistent with having had optic neuritis back in November. I have an appointment with a neurologist scheduled a few days later, which in intend to cancel if, in fact, the OTC does not turn up further RNFL erosion.

FINALLY THE QUESTION:

Will the neurologist be able to see evidence of optic neuritis on the MRI 6 months later? By waiting, am I reducing my chances of a timely diagnosis?

(I'm waiting because I have *ahem* a personal history of health hysterics, and it would kill me to pay for an MRI just to prove myself crazy. I *do* have various other ailments that have come and gone over the past 5-ish years that might or might not be considered MS symptoms.)

[mossytangle]

No one? None of you can tell me if evidence of optic neuritis can be seen on MRI 6 months later?

[ElliotB]

Perhaps you should ask a highly trained professional like your doctor or a specialist.