Utility of neuropsychological testing for guiding treatment decisions in paediatric multiple sclerosis

Mult Scler. 2013 Mar;19(3):366-8. doi: 10.1177/1352458512450355. Epub 2012 Jun 27.

Abstract

In the past years, there has been growing awareness about childhood onset multiple sclerosis (MS) and the relevance of psychosocial aspects such as cognitive disturbances, fatigue and depression in this population. We describe a case of a 16-year-old patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who presented at our clinic with severe fatigue symptoms and who underwent repeated neuropsychological examinations. A sudden significant slowing indicated a new relapse while neurological examination did not. This case highlights the high sensitivity and clinical relevance of neuropsychological testing in patients with juvenile MS even in the context of treatment decisions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cognition Disorders / drug therapy
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / psychology
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / therapy*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Neuropsychological Tests / standards*
  • Recurrence
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents