Both Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) are poorly understood conditions. Yet what is even more intriguing is that CBS can develop in the MS-affected individual.
There have been several (clinical) reports in the past decade of people living with MS developing the added complication of optic neuritis (swelling of the optic nerve). A swollen optic nerve in the MS-affected person can significantly reduce vision in one or both eyes. It can also lead to the person experiencing unusual phantom imagery that is consistent with Charles Bonnet syndrome.
It needs to be recognised that Charles Bonnet syndrome may become an additional feature for people living with MS if a swollen optic nerve arises. Therefore, for those diagnosed with MS, forewarning of the possible added complication of optic neuritis (and in turn CBS) by neurologists and other health professionals could be advisable.