Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
An update on multiple sclerosis in children: diagnosis, therapies, and prospects for the future
Eliza Gordon-Lipkin1, Brenda Banwell2
1a Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine , Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA.
Insights
Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) is a growing concern, presenting with relapsing-remitting symptoms and potential early cognitive issues. Early diagnosis and comprehensive management are crucial for affected children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system demyelinating disease.
- Increasing recognition of MS in pediatric populations, including children and adolescents.
- Pediatric MS often presents with a relapsing-remitting course and risk of early cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical features of acute demyelinating syndromes in children.
- To identify risk factors for diagnosing MS in pediatric patients.
- To discuss diagnostic criteria, immunology, treatments, and psychosocial aspects of pediatric MS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical features and diagnostic criteria for pediatric MS.
- Analysis of immunological aspects and therapeutic options.
- Consideration of psychosocial factors in managing pediatric MS.
Main Results:
- Acute demyelinating syndromes in children share features with adult MS.
- Specific risk factors contribute to the likelihood of MS diagnosis in pediatric cases.
- Established diagnostic criteria and emerging therapeutic strategies are applicable to children.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric MS requires tailored diagnostic and management approaches.
- Understanding immunological profiles is vital for effective treatment.
- Multidisciplinary care addressing cognitive and psychosocial needs is essential for long-term outcomes.
Introduction:
Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, is increasingly being recognized in children and adolescents. Pediatric MS follows a relapsing-remitting course at onset, with a risk for early cognitive impairment. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the clinical features of acute demyelinating syndromes in children and risk factors that increase the likelihood of a diagnosis of MS. We also address the application of diagnostic criteria for MS in children, immunological features, therapeutic options and psychosocial considerations for children and adolescents with MS. Expert commentary: Collaborative multicenter clinical trials and research efforts are key to the advancement in understanding the pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies for multiple sclerosis across the lifespan.
