Multiple Sclerosis (MS) | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Each person’s symptoms vary depending on the location of central nervous system inflammation. Common symptoms of MS in children can include:
- weakness
- exhaustion
- blurry vision or other changes in vision
- numbness
- tingling or other change in sensation
- loss of balance or coordination
- changes in bladder or bowel function
- dizziness
Cognitive and emotional symptoms?
About 50 percent of people with MS have some cognitive symptoms. These can include:
- difficulty with concentration
- trouble learning and remembering information
- poor judgment
- short attention span
If these symptoms affect your child’s school performance, it’s important to work with your child's school and medical team to help address any problems.
Children with MS may also have emotional symptoms in reaction to the stress of living with a chronic, unpredictable illness. Every child has a different way of expressing these emotions, but common signs include:
- sudden increase or decrease in appetite
- changes in sleeping patterns
- low energy
- irritability
- feelings of sadness
- loss of interest in activities
If you notice these signs in your child, let your pediatrician or neurologist know right away.
What are the causes of multiple sclerosis?
The exact cause of MS is still a mystery. But we do know that autoimmune diseases are not contagious, and they don’t appear to be caused by any one thing in particular. Instead, there’s a multi-step process at work:
- Heredity: Children inherit certain genes from their parents that make them more susceptible to a particular disease.
- Environmental factors: The disease doesn’t reveal itself until it’s “triggered” by something — such as an infection or exposure to certain toxins or drugs. The particular trigger in a patient is not always identified.
Researchers are working to discover which genes are involved and how they interact. They are also looking at a number of potential environmental and hormonal triggers in hopes of one day finding a cure.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?
Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a challenge, since the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions and can vary so much from person to person.
There is no one specific test to diagnose MS. Instead, it is diagnosed by using a series of exams and tests to help confirm the condition. MRI criteria, called the MacDonald Criteria, can be very helpful in making the diagnosis. The first step is a complete medical and family history and neurologic exam. Your clinician may also perform tests to rule out other conditions. Tests might include:
What medications are used to treat multiple sclerosis?
Although there is no cure for MS, medications can help control the symptoms of MS and slow down the progression of the disease. These medications include:
- Steroids: These medications can reduce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord during attacks of MS. This helps shorten the attacks and reduce their severity.
- Disease-modifying medications: These medications help prevent new attacks and reduce their severity. They can also help slow the progression of the disease.
Are there other treatments for multiple sclerosis?
Medication is just one part of your child's treatment program. Some children with MS may also need physical and occupational therapy to increase mobility and muscle strength, and to learn ways to make day-to-day activities easier on their bodies. And because chronic illnesses can be tough to deal with, psychotherapy or counseling can be valuable in helping kids keep a positive outlook. There are many other treatments available to help with symptoms as needed.
Expert care for multiple sclerosis
Because multiple sclerosis is traditionally seen as an adult condition, there is still a lot that needs to be learned about how MS affects children. Our team in the Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Program is actively engaged in clinical research to learn about the disease in children, develop new treatments, and improve quality of life.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) | Frequently Asked Questions
What is Uthoff’s phenomenon?
Many people with MS have a worsening of their symptoms if they become overheated — either through exercise, weather, or a hot shower or bath. Uthoff’s phenomenon occurs when becoming overheated causes symptoms associated with MS. This is generally the return of symptoms they have had before and different than an MS attack (relapse), because there is no active inflammation in the brain, spinal cord, or optic nerves.
In most cases, the symptoms caused by overheating are temporary and go away when the source of the heat is removed.
Will my child with multiple sclerosis be OK?
Since the symptoms of MS vary so much from person to person, it’s impossible to predict exactly how your child will be affected. It’s likely that he or she will go through periods where symptoms get better (remit) and then get worse (relapse). Long-term medication use and counseling can help your child maintain a high quality of life.
What is the long-term outlook for my child?
It’s hard to predict what the exact outcome will be for any one person with MS. However, it’s important to know that MS doesn’t shorten a person’s lifespan, and most children with MS are able to lead full lives including things like going to college and having families. Starting a treatment plan early is key to slowing down the disease’s progression. Your clinician can help you develop a treatment plan that ensures the best possible outcome for your child.