Signs & Symptoms Of Ms In Children

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that affects thousands of people around the world. Although MS is commonly diagnosed when patients are in their late 20s, new techniques are leading to much earlier detection of the disease. Researchers have not found any direct cause of MS but it is believed that some children are genetically predisposed to the disease.

The Facts

MS affects the central nervous system. The disease tends to damage a material called myelin that forms around nerve cells. Scars that are produced as a result of MS interfere with the normal functioning of nerve cells, which results in many of the disease's symptoms. MS is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Fewer than 5 percent of new cases involve children under the age of 16. More females are also affected by MS than men.

Types

There are multiple types of MS found in children. One of the most common forms is caused relapse remitting MS. Children with this type of the disease will go through periods of remission where they exhibit no symptoms. Symptoms arise in what is called the relapse phase of the disease. This type of MS can develop into a secondary progressive form of the disease that shortens the time between relapse and remission. Progressive relapsing MS is a rare form of the disease that gradually results in more pronounced symptoms. Benign MS occurs when all symptoms of the disease disappear and do not return over time.

Symptoms

Children with MS may exhibit a range of symptoms. A tingling sensation or numbness in multiple limbs is a common symptom of the disease. Nearly half of children affected by MS will exhibit signs of fatigue. Some children may also experience muscle spasms, which can also lead to a feeling of weakness in the muscles. Both bowel and bladder control problems can arise due to the onset of MS.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing MS may be difficult as there is not a specific test that proves a child is suffering from the disease. Doctors go through the painstaking process of ruling out all other diseases such as Lyme disease or Lupus before diagnosing a child with MS. MRIs may be used to determine if there is any scaring along the spinal cord or within the brain that could be indications of MS. Doctors typically will not diagnose a child unless he has had two attacks of MS that last for more than 24 hours each. The attacks need to be a minimum of one month apart.

Treatment

No cure currently exists for MS. Most treatment programs designed for children are geared toward the management of symptoms. Doctors may rely on steroids for treatment purposes in the early stages of MS. Steroids can help shorten an attack, which may prevent other symptoms from developing. Doctors are likely to prescribe additional medications that are targeted toward specific symptoms. Depression is a common symptom among those who suffer from MS. Doctors commonly prescribe anti-depressants to help patients deal with the disease.

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