Pediatric MS? Did anyone develop MS under age 18? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

popstarrdiva · 06-03-2009, 10:28 PM

Just curious to see how many, if any, developed signs of MS prior to age 18. Looking to find out what symptoms they had, what "proof" they had and what Dr diagnosed them.

MSNik · 06-04-2009, 06:25 AM

Popstar- I dont think we have any regular posters who are under the age of 18, or who were dx that young, but occasionally we get questions from parents who are being told their child might have MS. Do a search on Healthboards for children and MS and see what you find.
Due to the fact that pediatric MS wasnt really recognized until a few years ago, there wont be a whole lot of people with actual dx at that young age, not to say they didnt have MS, but it wasnt labeled. Now, we are seeing more and more cases in the news and thru MS journals which DO define and recognize cases of MS as early as age 5 (thats the youngest Ive seen it). Its starting to become more widely accepted to test children with symtoms at that age.
I hope you arent asking because someone you know might fall into this group, but there is some info if you keep searching here on healthboards of other parents and relatives asking questions about children...
Nikki

MSJayhawk · 06-04-2009, 06:38 AM

I was 19 when I was diagnosed in 1982. My symptoms started when I was 14. The only problematic symptom that I had was foot drop. I thought it was just clumsiness due to puberty.

The only other memory of possible symptoms was a severe pain in my hand when I touched a galvanized gate on the farm (I still get similar pains to certain materials).

Snoopy61 · 06-04-2009, 07:30 AM

Yes, I had symptoms before age 18.

Starting at 4 years old I had urinary retention, repeated urinary tract infections with repeated cathing which never made a difference. Urologists never did know why.

Balance problems, tripping/falling, unable to pick my feet up properly (I would slide my feet). Leg pains that were not "growing pains." Leg weakness- I had a hard time riding a bike for any distance, yet I was very strong with great muscle tone.

Urinary sensory symptoms - feeling as if I was wetting myself but I would be dry.

Heat intolerance by the time I was 16. If I laid out in the sun for 5 minutes I needed to come in and take a nap. However, one time I decided to take a cool shower and was amazed how good I felt afterwards.

Except for the urinary tract infections I was never taken to the doctor for any of the other problems.

popstarrdiva · 06-04-2009, 08:49 AM

Thank-you for all of your responses. I had ON at age 11 and was wondering if anyone else started w symptoms under 18 because from this book I read the symptoms and severity can be very different. I am in limboland. Thanks again.