Semin Neurol 2008; 28(1): 069-083
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1019129
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Multiple Sclerosis in Children

Terrence Thomas1 , Brenda Banwell1
  • 1Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
07 February 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is being increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of MS in the pediatric population are similar to adult-onset disease, with some important distinctions. Case vignettes, recently published clinical definitions, and an approach to disorders considered in the differential diagnoses are provided in this article. Immunomodulatory therapies approved for use in adults with MS are safe and well-tolerated in children, although monitoring of liver function is of particular importance. Finally, this article presents recent research studies performed in an MS population for whom disease onset occurs in unique temporal proximity to the events involved in MS pathogenesis.

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Brenda BanwellM.D. F.A.A.P. F.R.C.P.C. 

Director, Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto

550 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8

Email: Brenda.banwell@sickkids.ca