Pediatric Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is rare in children in comparison to adults, but accounts for approximately 25% of pediatric acute demyelinating syndromes. Features of pediatric optic neuritis that differ from adults include a higher rate of bilaterality, poor visual acuity on presentation, and papillitis. Diagnostic work-up includes brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), lumbar puncture, and blood tests to exclude infectious and inflammatory disorders. Pediatric optic neuritis may occur following infection or vaccination, or in association with a systemic demyelinating process such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), or multiple sclerosis (MS).
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research