DEMYELINIZATION OF PATHWAYS TO OPTIC NERVE

[FeatherMe]

Tests have shown for a couple of years that I have demyelinization on both pathways to the optic nerve. What does this mean to my future sight, if any thing? No doctor has explained this to me. Is it progressive? I haven't seen a neurologist in four years as my visits were not productive in any way for me. I have vision problems that are currently explained because of dry eyes, ocular roscea, irregular corneas - Cogan's dystrophy, and mild cataracts. Thank you for your help.

[MG (Admin)]

Are you referring to a VEP test?
If so do you have the precise figures?

[FeatherMe]

3/30/05 "The VEP were resolved and reproducible with both left and right monocular stimulation. The latency of the first positive component (P100), recorded from mild occipital derivations was 121 milliseconds with left eye stimulation and 126 milliseconds with right eye stimulation. Peak latency values were abnormal, bilaterally.
IMPRESSION:
This is an abnormal fullfield pattern reversal VEP study. Bilateral optic system abnormalities may represent pre or post chaismal dysfunction. Further clinical correlation is necessary."

6/15/07 Left 115 milliseconds Right 122 milliseconds
IMPRESSION:
This is an abnormal study demonstrating a mild conduction defect of optic pathways anterior to the chiasm on the right side. Such a finding could be seen in the setting of demyelinating disease and clinical correlation is needed.

12/11/07 Left 114 Right 117
IMPRESSION:
The pattern VEP study is outside of two standard deviations of normal bilaterally.This study would appear to confirm upper limits of normal on left and delay on the right. In both VEPs there were statistically significant delays in the P100 in the right although there has been some interval improvement based on latency in the most recent study. Such a finding could be seen in the setting of demyelinating disease or optic neuritis specifically.

[FeatherMe]

3/30/05 "The VEP were resolved and reproducible with both left and right monocular stimulation. The latency of the first positive component (P100), recorded from mild occipital derivations was 121 milliseconds with left eye stimulation and 126 milliseconds with right eye stimulation. Peak latency values were abnormal, bilaterally.
IMPRESSION:
This is an abnormal fullfield pattern reversal VEP study. Bilateral optic system abnormalities may represent pre or post chaismal dysfunction. Further clinical correlation is necessary."

6/15/07 Left 115 milliseconds Right 122 milliseconds
IMPRESSION:
This is an abnormal study demonstrating a mild conduction defect of optic pathways anterior to the chiasm on the right side. Such a finding could be seen in the setting of demyelinating disease and clinical correlation is needed.

12/11/07 Left 114 Right 117
IMPRESSION:
The pattern VEP study is outside of two standard deviations of normal bilaterally.This study would appear to confirm upper limits of normal on left and delay on the right. In both VEPs there were statistically significant delays in the P100 in the right although there has been some interval improvement based on latency in the most recent study. Such a finding could be seen in the setting of demyelinating disease or optic neuritis specifically.

[MG (Admin)]

do you have visual problems?
Did you do a visual field test and have a neuro-ophthalmologist look at your eyes?

[FeatherMe]

I have visual problems. Blurriness and difficulty reading despite changes in prescriptions occur at times - more times than not. I see a variety of shapes and colors at times. It doesn't happen every day or on a regular basis. The neuro-opthalmologist has declared I have silent migraines. In the past I have suffered with a variety of things - blindness momentarily, inability to focus, a split screen of vision with the top half being off set from the bottom half, and once, while driving, I saw cars crashing into each other in front of me yet I was on a five lane highway and stayed in line!There were no cars crashing in reality. I have dry eyes which cause focus problems especially when on the computer.

I failed the first visual field test about six years ago but have passed the ones done since.

[MG (Admin)]

I failed the first visual field test about six years ago but have passed the ones done since.

does this mean they are completely normal?

[FeatherMe]

I'm not sure if they are completely normal. I've just been told I passed.