What Are the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis in Children?

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis in children usually depend on the affected nerve and this may result to several neurological symptoms. Multiple sclerosis symptoms may resolve overtime but this will resurface again. This is due to the fact that the disease comes with a partial or total remission period. Problems in coordination and balance, abnormal sensations in the skin and vision problems are some of the common symptoms of this condition and this can be experienced, not just by adults, but by children as well. Some of the symptoms that can be experienced include pricking or tingling sensations, numbness, eye-related discomforts and muscle weakness.

Early Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

It is hard to determine if a child is suffering from multiple sclerosis. This is because the symptoms of the condition are similar to other health conditions. However, when the disease starts to progress and it begins to interfere with other body functions, you, as a parent, will be able to identify the condition. Some of the most commonly observed early symptoms in children include the following:

· Blurred or double vision

· One of the eyes loses its vision

· Eye movements causes pain

· Eye movements are uncontrollable

· Difficulty when walking

· Difficulty in maintaining coordination and balance, also known as ataxia

· Muscle spasms and weakness

· One side of the body is weakened

· Muscle stiffness and muscle tone is lost

· Twitching of the muscles

· Tremors

· Tiredness and fatigue

· Bladder problems like inability to completely empty the bladder or urinary incontinence

· Bowel problems like bowel incontinence and constipation

· Vertigo and dizziness

· Pain in the legs and arms

· Abnormal speech patter

· Problems with memory, concentration and attention

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Multiple sclerosis is considered as an incurable disease and the treatments available are focused on alleviating and managing the symptoms alone. The commonly used medications for this condition include corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, and interferons, Natalizumab, Glatiramer and Mitoxantrone. Aside from these medications plasma exchange procedure may also be administered along with physical therapy for the management of the symptoms.

Performing regular exercises, getting sufficient amount of sleep and rest and maintaining a healthy diet is also necessary when suffering from such condition. An expert dietitian can devise a diet plan that is suitable for a child suffering from this condition. Increased body temperature and excessive heat can aggravate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Although not all children may experience this, it is still wise to be very cautious to prevent the symptoms from worsening.

As a parent, it is also important that you are aware of the factors that can trigger the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in your child. For this, make sure to discuss it thoroughly with your physician so that you are aware of the safety measures that you can do for your child. Being aware of the trigger factors can also help you alleviate or minimize the symptoms experienced by your child, as well as prevent the exacerbation of the symptoms and the condition itself.