Clinical Pediatrics: Open Access
Open Access

Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) represents a particular MS subgroup with unique diagnostic challenges and many unanswered questions. Due to the narrow window of environmental exposures and clinical disease expression, children with MS may represent a particularly important group to study to gain a better understanding of MS pathogenesis.

Pediatric MS, also referred to as pediatric-onset MS (POMS), early-onset MS or juvenile MS, is generally defined as MS with an onset before the age of 16 years (sometimes before the age of 18 years). Between 3 and 10% of patients with MS present under 16 years of age and < 1% under 10 years of age

The differential diagnosis for multiple sclerosis (MS) in childhood and adolescence includes infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic disorders as well as metabolic neurogenetic leukodystrophies, toxic leukodystrophies, and vascular conditions. ... A minimal diagnostic battery is proposed.

A closer look at prognosis

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), the majority of people who have MS will experience a relatively normal life span. On average, most people with MS live about seven years less than the general population.

According to the NMSS, around two-thirds of people with MS are able to walk without a wheelchair two decades after their diagnosis. Some people will need crutches or a cane to remain ambulatory.