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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Dynamic Visual Tests to Identify and Quantify Visual Damage and Repair Following Demyelination in Optic Neuritis Patients
Published on: April 14, 2014
Charles Bonnet syndrome associated with a first attack of multiple sclerosis
Keiichi Komeima1,2, Takashi Kameyama3, Yozo Miyake4
1Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan. kkome@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp.
Background:
We treated a rare case of Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) manifested during temporary blindness in both eyes caused by optic neuritis associated with a first attack of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Case:
A 66-year-old Japanese woman became completely blind for 3 months due to optic neuritis after a first attack of MS. During the blind period, she experienced vivid visual hallucinations for about 2 weeks.
Observations:
The patient had no psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairments; therefore, the visual hallucinations during the period of blindness were indicative of CBS. Unexpectedly, the hallucinations disappeared without treatment following her recovery of vision.
Conclusions:
Although rare, visual impairment during a first attack of MS can be associated with visual hallucinations indicative of CBS. The hallucinations can disappear spontaneously with the recovery of vision without treatment.
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