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Neuropediatrics 2012; 43(04): 176-183
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1315429
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Neuropsychological Aspects of Childhood Multiple Sclerosis: An Overview

Astrid Blaschek
1   Department of Paediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
*   These authors have contributed equally to this work.
,
Karin Storm van's Gravesande
2   Department of Neuropaediatrics and Muscular Disorders, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
3   Gottfried von Preyer'sches Kinderspital, Vienna, Austria
*   These authors have contributed equally to this work.
,
Florian Heinen
1   Department of Paediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
,
Martin Pritsch
4   Department of Neuropaediatrics, DRK-Children Hospital Siegen, Germany
,
Volker Mall
2   Department of Neuropaediatrics and Muscular Disorders, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
5   KBO Kinderzentrum, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Pasquale Calabrese
6   Department of Neuropsychology and Behavioral Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, University Clinic of Neurology, Kantonsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
7   Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

13 April 2011

30 April 2012

Publication Date:
17 May 2012 (online)

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Abstract

While cognitive impairment, major depression, and fatigue have been well documented in adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), there is still little information regarding MS-associated cognitive disabilities in infants and adolescents who represent 3 to 5% of all MS cases. Recent studies show that cognitive decline related to MS profoundly interferes with academic success and psychosocial adjustment. Neuropsychological dysfunction affects quality of life more significantly than mere Expanded Disability Status Scale is able to reflect. We herein give an overview of the knowledge available to date. Affective and emotional disturbances together with other comorbidities interfering with cognition are also reviewed. Finally, possible suggestions and future directions for the assessment of cognitive capabilities in children with MS are envisioned.

Keywords

multiple sclerosis - childhood - cognition
 

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