Diagnosing multiple sclerosis in childhood

Abstract

By presenting the cases of 3 children with laboratory supported definite multiple sclerosis [LSDMS] according to Poser's diagnostic criteria, we illustrate the difficulties of diagnosing MS in childhood. In search for appropriate diagnostic criteria for childhood MS, the literature on childhood MS is reviewed, and the 3 cases presented are compared with the 15 hitherto reported with the diagnosis LSDMS. Specific difficulties of diagnosing MS in childhood are discussed. They include history taking in children, the multiple differential diagnostic possibilities, and the various clinical presentations. Due to these specific difficulties in childhood MS, we conclude that a strict use of Poser's criteria is indispensable, especially in childhood MS.

Prospective study of multiple sclerosis with early onset

“…21,22 Among diagnostic tests, brain MRI was confirmed as the most sensitive test, showing white matter lesions in all patients with the pattern of lesions strongly suggestive/ suggestive of MS. 13 The demonstration of oligoclonal bands was also frequent in our (87.2%) as well as in other reports. 4,8,[23][24][25][26] Evoked potentials can also substantiate the diagnosis, showing asymptomatic lesions in several cases: in our series the frequency of subclinical lesions ranged from 40%, for brainstem auditory evoked potentials, to 68.3%, for visual evoked potentials.…”

Early onset multiple sclerosis

“…9 The literature on EOMS is largely based on small groups of patients or on individual case reports. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Study groups of over 100 patients are rare. 1,4 Information about the natural history of EOMS is not uniform.…”