The course of multiple sclerosis after optic neuritis

In a retrospective survey, the prognosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) was studied in 192 patients, subdivided into three groups according to their initial signs and symptoms. Group I (n = 42) had uncomplicated optic neuritis as initial symptom. In group II (n = 38) other initial MS signs and symptoms accompanied optic neuritis (ON). In group III (n = 112) MS started without ON. During the first 20 years after initial signs and symptoms, patients of group I and group II had a statistically significant lower disability score than those of group III. This difference disappeared in the third decade after initial signs and symptoms. The progression coefficient was lower in group I and group II than in group III. Length of asymptomatic period after optic neuritis was inversely correlated with the progression coefficient. These data do not indicate a more favourable outcome of MS with ON as initial symptom, only in the first two decades of the disease. Key words: multiple sclerosis; clinical course; optic neuritis