Diagnosis and Treatment of Visual Disturbances in Multiple Sclerosis

In 1868, Jean Charcot described what he considered to be the three cardinal features of multiple sclerosis (MS): dysarthria, intention tremor, and nystagmus. These three symptoms subsequently became known as “Charcot's triad.” Thus visual abnormalities have been a distinguishing feature of MS since the disease's initial clinical description. In this article, we differentiate three major visual problems in MS: visual loss, diplopia, and oscillopsia. We then describe elements of the afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) visual examination in MS. Finally, we present an update on current treatment options related to each of these visual disturbances.