OPTIC NEURITIS
Subacute onset over days — vision problems develop gradually over several days rather than all at once.
Severe vision loss — visual acuity can decrease to 20/200 or less when measured using a Snellen’s chart.
Changes in color vision — colors may appear less bright or less vivid.
One-eye visual field defect — vision loss can affect one eye and may involve a specific part or quadrant of the visual field.
Eye pain — pain can occur around the eye and may become worse with eye movements.
Afferent pupillary defect — on examination, the affected pupil responds abnormally when a light is shined into the eye.
Swollen optic disk — the optic disk may appear swollen during a dilated eye exam
BRAINSTEM/CEREBELLAR SYNDROME
One-sided facial numbness or weakness — numbness or weakness can affect one side of the face.
Trigeminal neuralgia — severe, one-sided, electrical or sharp paroxysms of pain lasting seconds. Pain can be triggered by cold or sensory activities such as biting, brushing the teeth, or chewing. It can affect the upper, middle, or lower part of the face.
Double vision (diplopia) — seeing two images instead of one.
Uncontrolled jumpy eye movements — involuntary eye movements can cause oscillopsia, making the environment appear to move or bounce.
Ataxia or gait unsteadiness — difficulty with coordination, balance, or walking.
On examination — doctors may find 6th nerve palsy, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, nystagmus, or limb and gait ataxia.
MYELITIS
Myelitis is inflammation of the spinal cord that causes sensory or motor problems in the parts of the body below the affected level.
Asymmetrical subacute sensory or motor loss — numbness, altered sensation, or weakness develops over time and may affect one or both sides of the body. The face is usually not affected.
Bladder or bowel dysfunction — symptoms may include urgency, overactive bladder, or incontinence.
Band-like sensation — a tight or squeezing sensation may develop around the chest or abdominal wall.
Paresthesia — unusual sensations such as tingling, pins and needles, or numbness may occur.