Cognitive functioning in children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To examine cognitive functioning in children with multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
The authors examined the neuropsychological profile of 37 children with a diagnosis of clinically definite MS and assessed the associations between cognitive function and clinical features.


RESULTS
Of 37 children and adolescents evaluated, 35% demonstrated significant cognitive impairment. Cognitive functioning was strongly related to several clinical variables, including current Expanded Disability Status Scale, total number of relapses, and total disease length. The consequences of MS adversely affected academic functioning in over a third of the children.


CONCLUSIONS
Cognitive deficits occur in children with multiple sclerosis. Comprehensive treatment planning should involve recognition that they may require academic accommodations for their education.
MacAllister
W S
WS
State University of New York at Stony Brook, NY 11794-8121, USA.
Belman
A L
AL
Milazzo
M
M
Weisbrot
D M
DM
Christodoulou
C
C
Scherl
W F
WF
Preston
T E
TE
Cianciulli
C
C
Krupp
L B
LB
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012008:Recurrence; D013332:Student Dropouts / Q000523:psychology