[Early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis]

Tuberous sclerosis belongs to the diseases diagnosed usually at pre-school or school age. Pringle's naevus ist the basic sing indicating the diagnosis. Genetic determination of the disease makes possibly early diagnosis necessary for correct genetic counselling. In the light of long-term observations of children with tuberous sclerosis the authors discuss the problems connected with early diagnosis of this condition evaluating the diagnostic usefulness of various signs and symptoms of the disease, and the usefulness of radiological examination methods. The importance of computer tomography for early diagnosis, and of family examination in cases of tuberous sclerosis is emphasized.