What is MS?

Multiple Sclerosis MS is a condition in which the central nervous system deteriorates as a result of the immune system’s (T cell) destruction of Myelin (MBP) and Oligodendrocyte (MPG) protein cells that form the sheath that surrounds neurons.

Damage to the myelin sheath interrupts the flow of information between the spinal cord and the brain, nervous system and organs, and causes loss of body functions depending on the degree of the disease.

Multiple Sclerosis in Children

Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis (MS) disease in children is rarely encountered. Since MS is a nervous system disorder that occurs mostly in adult age groups, MS in children could not be diagnosed for many years.

Recent studies indicate that the symptoms of the disease are similar in adults and children.

MS Symptoms in Children

• Visual disturbances due to inflammation in the optic nerves
• Inability to hear, touch, smell and taste
• Gait(walking) disturbances, frequent falls, bending of the ankle many times while walking, etc.
• Retardation in motor skills
• chronic fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, trouble concentrating for long periods of time
• Rarely or temporarily, in the course of attacks, speech disturbances

Diagnosing MS in Children

MS is a genetic disease that is inherited. Therefore, the family history of MS is one of the most important data in making the diagnosis.

The absence of history such as inflammation / infection / high fever to explain MS findings increases the likelihood of MS. Inflammation in the optic nerves, which we call optic neuritis, is another important data. It is necessary to diagnose MS in children after evaluating all these findings together with the MRI result.

MS Treatment in Children

Childhood MS cases can change with growth. There is also the possibility that it will not turn into a permanent MS disease. For this reason, the course of the disease should be followed closely in the treatment of MS in children.

The general approach in the treatment of MS is drug treatments that suppress the immune system. Various drugs have been developed to prevent the aggregation of immune system cells, and it is often possible to get a positive response from drug therapy.

Medication and therapies that will provide a sedative effect during attack periods aim to overcome MS attacks as soon as possible and relatively easily.