Cognitive Functioning in Patients with Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis, an Updated Review and Future Focus.

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is relatively rare, but as technology and neuroimaging advance, an increasing number of cases are identified, and our understanding of how multiple sclerosis (MS) impacts the developing brain improves. There are consistent findings in the literature highlighting the impact of MS and other demyelinating diseases on cognitive functioning and cognitive development. We also have a better understanding of how POMS impacts psychosocial functioning and functional outcomes in daily living.

Long-Term Neurocognitive, Psychosocial, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Outcomes in Pediatric-Onset Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis.

Background: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a demyelinating disorder that is usually self-limited. Recent studies have suggested ongoing neurological deficits and neurocognitive impairment in these patients. Little information on the correlation of clinical and neuroimaging markers in ADEM is available.

Cognitive deficits in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis: what does the future hold?

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis is relatively rare and research regarding disease characteristics is in its infancy. Regardless, there are a growing number of studies finding early cognitive deficits in this population. There are some similarities in outcomes to those seen in the adult-onset multiple sclerosis population, but also several important differences.

Fatigue and depression in children with demyelinating disorders.

Fatigue and depression have been shown to be significant problems in children with multiple sclerosis. The rate at which these conditions occur in children with other acquired demyelinating syndromes is unknown. In this cross-sectional study, the authors evaluated 49 children with demyelinating disorders (multiple sclerosis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) and 92 healthy controls for depression and/or fatigue using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition behavior and mood rating scale and Varni PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale.

Acuted disseminated encephalomyelitis.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by an acute event, typically with encephalopathy, in which diffuse CNS involvement occurs. It may follow an infectious event and occurs more commonly in young children. Pulse steroid treatment is frequently used to treat ADEM.

Disease progression in pediatric multiple sclerosis: disparities between physical and neurocognitive outcomes.

Growing information regarding the neurocognitive burden of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) has become available in recent years. Whereas natural history studies suggest a longer time to irreversible disability in the pediatric population with MS than in the adult MS population, increasing knowledge suggests a relatively rapid accrual of cognitive deficits in this young population. This article will explore this paradox, taking into account studies that have focused on neuroimaging, cognition and outcomes in pediatric MS.

Cerebellar mutism in pediatric acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is a demyelinating process affecting multiple areas of the central nervous system, frequently including the cerebellum. Cerebellar insult may lead to absence of speech or cerebellar mutism. Cerebellar mutism often occurs in young children after posterior fossa tumor resection, and generally appears as part of a larger subset of neurobehavioral signs and personality changes known as posterior fossa syndrome.