title: Early onset multiple sclerosis: a review for nurse practitioners.
abstract: Research demonstrates that 3.5% to 5% of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) present before the age of 18 years. MS can present in early childhood through adolescence and must be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with motor impairment, sensory changes, and cognitive disability. The diagnosis of early-onset MS is based on findings from a complete history and physical examination along with brain and spine imaging. The purpose of this article is to review recent literature on early-onset MS and offer suggestions or clinical practice in the identification and management of patients with this debilitating disease.
authors.affiliation: Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA. Deborah_spiro@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Deborah B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Spiro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017668:Age of Onset; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D018450:Disease Progression; D005221:Fatigue / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants