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Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis in Children

From 2 percent to 5 percent of patients with multiple sclerosis are diagnosed before age 16, according to the United Spinal Association, but researchers believe the incidence is higher. Children with multiple sclerosis can have many symptoms depending on which part of the central nervous system is affected.

  1. Vision Disturbances

    • A sudden loss of vision or reduced vision in either eye is a sign of multiple sclerosis in children. Additionally, eye problems such as double vision, pain with eye movements, uncontrolled eye movements and difficulty seeing color can occur.

    General Movement

    • Children with multiple sclerosis can be clumsy or weak, and have difficulty walking or maintaining balance. They might have episodes of dizziness as well.

    Fatigue

    • The United Spinal Association also notes about 40 percent of children and adolescents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis report fatigue as a primary symptom, defined as physical tiredness and lack of energy.

    Muscle and Nerve Symptoms

    • Tingling and numbness in the arms and legs is common, and the child might experience muscle stiffness or muscle spasms. Spasms can disrupt sleep. Tremors also occur, most noticeably when the child reaches for an object or attempts other purposeful movements with his arms and hands.

    Speech

    • Abnormal speech patterns are relatively common in multiple sclerosis cases that begin in childhood. The child might speak in a staccato-like monotone, using explosive consonants. She also might unintentionally use varying degrees of loudness.

    Cognitive Impairment

    • Some children with multiple sclerosis have cognitive disabilities leading to attention and concentration difficulties, as well as problems with memory. This can cause difficulties in school achievement.

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