What is the typical management protocol for a patient with optic neuritis?

Corticosteroids are commonly administered to patients with optic neuritis to reduce inflammation and improve visual outcomes. Optic neuritis often occurs as a demyelinating event, frequently associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis. The inflammation can lead to damage of the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and discomfort. Corticosteroids help to modulate the immune response and promote recovery by decreasing the inflammatory process.

In the management of optic neuritis, the use of high-dose intravenous corticosteroids is typically preferred, especially in cases where visual acuity is significantly affected or in patients with a potential underlying cause, such as multiple sclerosis.

The other options do not align with the standard treatment protocols for optic neuritis: immediate surgical intervention is not indicated as optic neuritis is a non-surgical condition; antibiotics are not effective since optic neuritis is not caused by bacterial infection; and antimalarials are not relevant in treating this type of inflammation. Thus, corticosteroids are the go-to therapy to address the inflammation effectively.