Sclerosis in Children
Sclerosis rarely affects children; however, there are children who have multiple sclerosis and tuberous sclerosis. Neither condition can be cured, but each can be managed in childhood. With medical treatments and intervention, children with these types of sclerosis can lead normal, productive lives.
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Significance
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According to the Boston Children's Hospital, patients younger than 18 make up about five percent of all multiple-sclerosis cases. Tuberous sclerosis is a rare condition that affects about one out of every 6,000 children born each year in the United States.
Types
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Two types of sclerosis that may affect children are multiple sclerosis and tuberous sclerosis.
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Effects
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Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may include muscle stiffness, numbness, tingling, fatigue and depression.
Symptoms of tuberous sclerosis include the development of various tumors throughout the body, seizures and developmental delays.
Challenges
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Symptoms of multiple sclerosis in children may have an impact on their academic achievement in up to 35 percent of children affected with the disease. These children may have problems with processing information, memory and attention.
Many children with tuberous sclerosis will face academic challenges as a result of their condition.
Treatments
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Corticosteroid medications are used to reduce brain and spinal-cord inflammation associated with multiple-sclerosis flares. Other medications such as Betaseron, Avonex, Rebif and Copaxone may be used to decrease severity and frequency of multiple sclerosis flare-ups.
Tuberous sclerosis may be treated with anti-seizure medications, early intervention services and with surgical removal of tumors.
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