Tuesday, November 03, 2009 dseelig asks

Q: MS and double vision

I have been diagnosed with MS.  I was driving on the highway and suddenly started to see at least two each car.  Fortunately, I was able to pull over safely.  It lasted for about 15 minutes and went away.  I called my doctor's office and they said this is not MS.  I don't understand because double vision seems to be a pretty common symptom.  I am wondering if they said that because it resolved itself so quickly.

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Answers (1)
Vicki, Health Guide
11/ 5/09 6:31am

Hi dseelig,


How frightening!  I can only imagine how you must have felt when your vision suddenly changed while you were driving.


I am not a doctor, but I do have an opinion on this.  Double vision (diplopia) is a symptom of MS. And as an MSer, you know it might come back.


When I first experienced double vision I had not yet been diagnosed with MS and it lasted longer than 15 minutes. I was told to stop reading so much — what a strange response.


If it comes back, use an eye-patch to take away the double part of that vision.  Unfortunately it also takes away depth perception which affects your driving, too, so be careful. You can get one at any local drug store for only a couple of dollars.


It also helps to close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and relax.  For me it happened during times of stress.  Just to help you relax, I will tell you it has been years since I havehad this particular symptom. 


Good luck.


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By dseelig— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 11/03/09