One of our local staff members, who is a 31 year old Thai female, experienced a sudden partial loss of vision (80%) in one eye on Sunday, she had absolutely no outward signs of a problem in the eye and no pain.

On Monday she went to a hospital in Sri Racha for tests, the eye specialists could not see anything wrong.

the hospital then performed a MRI scan, which they say is normal.

They then admitted her with suspected Optic Neuritis.

They then did a lumber puncture on Tuesday afternoon, this was to test for the presence of Oligoclonal Bands, as they suspect it may be the onset of MS causing the eye problem, unfortunately they say that they did not get enough fluid to test conclusively, so they performed another puncture on Wednesday afternoon.

They say it will take 20 days to get the results (this to me seems like an awful long time, is this correct?)

Her eyesight remains as poor in the one eye, with the loss of colour also, she is obviously worried sick about this and the possibility of having MS.

Anyway, I have two questions, one is that her back is extremely painful right now, so much so it is difficult to lay down, never mind stand up, is this normal after a lumber puncture, especially two in two days?

Secondly, she would like to go to Bangkok and see a specialist there for further opinions and if needs be tests, she has health insurance, but it is not that good of coverage to be honest, so she needs a good public hospital that specializes in this type of problem, can anybody recommend anywhere in Bangkok please?

Thanks in advance.

Rutnin Eye Hospital It a great choice for seeing an eye specialist in BKK. Prices are reasonable and the hospital has an excellent reputation. It is on Asoke Suk Soi 21 near Sukhumvit Rd.

Rutnin is not a public hospital so there will be costs involved but it is the premier eye hospital in Bangkok, extending over many decades, and most testing seems to be very reasonably priced. They are always busy and most customer are Thai. Sorry but can not answer your other questions.

The location is actually at the other end of Asoke from Sukhumvite.

it wouldnt hurt to get a second opinion at another eye faciility, i.e. in bangkok. but i think she needs to go back to her dr for the back pain, specially if she has not been warned about its occurence prior to discharge.

Rutnin would indeed be the best place to seek a second opinion.

Whuile she should by all means do so, it sounds to me like the hospital she went to did a thorough and proper job medically. They may not have done so well in communication with her (not unusual). What she needs to know about optic neuritis is:

- almost everyone gets their sight back

- there is an increased incidence of MS in people who have had optic neutritis but the majority of people with optic neuritis do not develop MS. The test is a wise precaution but may well come back negative,

Thanks to you all for the replies, I will see her tonight and suggest she visits Rutnin Hospital once she is mobile again.

Rutnin for sure...I am currently being treated there for glaucoma and I couldnt be happier with the medical care I have been receiving. I am seeing Dr. Hathairat and although she is very busy, she takes all the time necessary to answer all your questions and make your comfort level high.