SIGNS AND SYMPTOMSÂ
The breakdown of myelin can cause various symptoms. The symptoms will depend on the areas of the brain and spinal cord affected. They include:Â
- Blurry vision as well as loss of vision in one or both eyes (may be temporary or permanent)Â
- Double visionÂ
- Weakness, numbness, cramping, or tingling of one part of the bodyÂ
- Tremor of one part of the body Â
- Speech problems, like slurred speechÂ
- A loss of balance or coordinationÂ
- Problems with urination or stooling (accidents)Â
The symptoms from multiple sclerosis last for at least 24 hours. They usually last longer. Sometimes the symptoms go away with time (a remission). Sometimes they last for the rest of a person’s life. Â
The most common type of multiple sclerosis is called relapsing-remitting, meaning that people develop symptoms, get better, and then develop new symptoms again. When symptoms return, they are called exacerbations, or flares. Â
Children often recover well from flares. They may look like they are not sick at all. Over time, however, flares can cause serious problems with vision, walking, or balance.Â
TREATMENT AND THERAPIESÂ
Treatment for Acute Symptoms of Multiple SclerosisÂ
During an MS flare, a doctor may recommend medications that suppress the immune system. One example is steroids. These have been shown to shorten the length of time of a flare. They have not been shown to prevent disability.Â
Treatment for Chronic Symptoms of Multiple SclerosisÂ
There is currently no cure for MS. Most people with this diagnosis will need to take medicine for the rest of their lives. Â
Medicines that treat MS change the way the immune system works. This is how they prevent new symptoms (or flares) from occurring. Medicines cannot repair damage to the brain and spinal cord. However, they are very important in  preventing new damage.  Â
 Medications for MS include:Â
Injections
Oral medications
Infusions
These medications are given intravenously by a health care professional. They include rituximab and natalizumab. Infusions are the most effective medications at preventing flares in MS. However, they also have the highest risk of severe side effects. For instance, they can lead to a rare but serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.Â
Families will need to discuss the risks and benefits of these medications with the child’s doctor. Together, they can determine which is best for the child.Â
Other medications may help with the symptoms of MS. For instance, they may help with fatigue, headache, problems with urination, or pain. Â
It is important for a child with MS, to: Â
- Eat a healthy dietÂ
- ExerciseÂ
- Take vitamin DÂ every dayÂ
These are safe, healthy, and natural ways to prevent further MS relapses. However, in most cases, a medication will still be necessary.Â
OUTLOOKÂ
Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong disease. Over the last thirty years, many new medications have been discovered that can prevent MS flares. Young people diagnosed today have a better chance of living a full life. They can live well into old age, and without physical disability.Â
Having MS does not affect the ability of a person to get pregnant or give birth to children. Some medications taken for MS can be safer than others during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The treatment of MS during pregnancy should be discussed with a doctor. It is best to discuss this before a pregnancy occurs. Â
Many children with MS may have no physical disabilities. Still, they may develop problems with attention, concentration, and information processing. It is important to understand that this is not the child’s fault. It is another symptom of the disease.Â
Sometimes these changes can be subtle. A parent may not pick up on a child’s struggles in school. Neuropsychiatric testing can help determine how best to support the child through school as well as after, with jobs and the many complicated tasks of adult life. Â
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