Which symptom is commonly associated with optic neuritis in MS?

• A. Painful vision loss in one eye
• B. Bilateral hearing loss
• C. Facial numbness
• D. Peripheral neuropathy of the feet

Answer: (A)

Optic neuritis in MS typically presents as painful, monocular vision loss due to inflammation and demyelination of the optic nerve. The pain, especially with eye movements, arises from inflammation of the optic nerve sheath and surrounding tissues, and vision loss is usually subacute. Color vision is often reduced as well, and an afferent pupillary defect may be seen on exam. This combination—unilateral vision loss that is painful with movement—is characteristic of optic neuritis and is a common initial manifestation of MS. The other symptoms listed don’t specifically reflect optic nerve involvement: hearing loss points to the auditory system, facial numbness suggests trigeminal or cortical pathways, and peripheral neuropathy implies a more peripheral process.