CHILDHOOD MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS

Multiple sclerosis begins before the age of 17 years in 0.4 to 0.5% of the cases, but the diagnosis is exceptionally made before the age of 10 years. Female predominance is more marked in early onset multiple s clerosis. The general features of the disease (clinical expression, pr ogression, pronostic) and the findings of complementary explorations a re comparable with those found when the disease begins in adulthood al though acute onset and signs of brain stem involment have been reporte d The diagnosis must be made with prudence, especially when progressio n is slow from the beginning, An analysis of the influence of infectiv e environmental factors and puberty has not provided new insight. Cort icosteroids can be used in case of flare-ups. Management requires a mu ltidisciplinary approach to maintain appropriate educational activitie s.