Abstract Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, individualized, and often unpredictable disease that attacks an individual’s central nervous system. Although the origin of MS is unknown, researchers to date point to a potential variety of causes, making prevention and even treatment difficult. The uncertainty of potential causes is further complicated by variation in reported symptoms as well as the potential for signs to disappear and even reappear. Furthermore, no singular test allows for the diagnosis of MS, leading to the need for multiple procedures over a period of time to rule out all other diagnoses prior to an individual being provided an MS diagnosis. Variations in physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms, including the potential presence of numbness or tingling, memory loss, depression, and even sexual dysfunction, require family counselors to become knowledgeable of the medical aspects of MS, including possible symptoms and the necessary steps at which an individual should receive appropriate testing. A case illustration is presented with the goal to demonstrate ocular involvement (acute optic neuritis) which can be an early detector of multiple sclerosis in young individuals.
Keywords: Optic Neuritis; Multiple Sclerosis.