Although multiple sclerosis occurs most commonly in adults, it can also affect children. Estimates suggest that 8,000 to 10,000 children up to 18 years old in the United States have multiple sclerosis, and another 10,000 to 15,000 have experienced at least one symptom suggestive of multiple sclerosis, according to 2010 information from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It is rare that infants develop multiple sclerosis. Diagnosis in infants is more difficult than in adults and requires highly trained experts.
Seizures
Most symptoms of multiple sclerosis seen in children are similar to those seen in adults. There are, however, symptoms experienced by children that are not typical in adults, such as seizures, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. A seizure is a sudden attack of involuntary muscle contractions, or convulsions, in a repeated manner. Patients with seizures may lose consciousness and the possibility of the windpipe being obstructed is particularly dangerous. Other causes of seizures before the age of 1 year include vitamin B6 deficiency, lack of oxygen, genetic disorders and brain inflammation. MRI is often used to help diagnose seizures in infants. Children who develop seizures should see a pediatric neurologist.
Numbness
Multiple Sclerosis symptoms may vary depending on where the damage occurs in the central nervous system. If the damage is in the spinal cord, sensations may not be efficiently relayed to the brain, resulting in numbness. Numbness in infants can be observed if the baby does not respond to touch. Very young infants may naturally not respond well to touch, so this alone may not be indicative of multiple sclerosis.
Muscle Control Impairments
Muscle control impairments are common symptoms for multiple sclerosis. Muscle weakness, stiffness or spasms is observable symptoms in infants. Eye problems, such as uncontrolled eye movements, can also develop in children with the disease. A sudden loss of vision is often a telltale sign of multiple sclerosis in children, according to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. Tremors are one of the few more obvious symptoms that can be readily observed in infants. If the damage occurs to the cerebellum portion of the brain, imbalance or a lack of coordination may result and become observable when the child starts to learn to sit up.
Help
The National MS Society established a network called Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence, which offers help, including pediatric multiple sclerosis experts and financial assistance for travel and accommodations, for pediatric MS patients and their families. Currently, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis; however, many medications are available to help manage the disease or slow its progression, according to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.
