Evidence in practice-number 8: What is the prognosis of optic neuritis? How often does it lead to multiple sclerosis?

[Extract] Clinical question — What is the chance of developing multiple sclerosis following the first episode of optic neuritis in a 19-year-old male?

This question was asked of us at the Centre for General Practice, University of Queensland, Australia, where we were providing a literature-search service in collaboration with the Department of Primary Health Care at the University of Newcastle, funded through the NHS Northern and Yorkshire Regional Library Advisory Service, for local GPs. The service was based on an Australian model.1