Multiple Sclerosis in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Understanding

According to Children's Hospital Boston, nearly 450,000 people live with multiple sclerosis in the U.S. and Canada. There are a wide variety of symptoms, making MS difficult for doctors to diagnose. The symptoms may be very close to those of other conditions and they may also change dramatically between each child. It all depends on where the damage occurs in the child's central nervous system.

Spinal Cord

• According to the University of California in San Francisco, your child may experience numbness, tingling and a feeling of weakness or tightness if the myelin in her spinal cord was damaged.

Brain

• If your child damaged his cerebellum, his symptoms may include a lack of coordination or trouble balancing.

Vision

• Children with MS may also experience eye problems, such as uncontrolled movements or double vision. They may also suddenly lose their vision.

Balance

• Clumsiness or weakness are common side effects for kids with multiple sclerosis. Some also have vertigo and have trouble walking and balancing.

Other Common Effects

• It's also common for those affected by the disease to experience tiredness, slurred speech, bladder control problems, tremora, stiffness or numbness to their body parts.

Cognitive

• Some children may be stricken with mild to severe cognitive impairments. This includes difficulty paying attention, remembering things and concentrating. Their schoolwork may be affected.