Eye problems in children with multiple sclerosis

• Published in: Pediatric neurology 1995-04, Vol.12 (3), p.207-212
• Main Authors: Steinlin, Maja I., Blaser, Susan I., MacGregor, Daune L., Raymond Buncic, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Biological and medical sciences; Brain Stem - physiopathology; Cerebellar Diseases - complications; Cerebellar Diseases - diagnosis; Cerebellum - physiopathology; Child; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Multiple Sclerosis - complications; Multiple Sclerosis - diagnosis; Multiple sclerosis and variants. Guillain barré syndrome and other inflammatory polyneuropathies. Leukoencephalitis; Neurologic Examination; Neurology; Ocular Motility Disorders - complications; Ocular Motility Disorders - diagnosis; Optic Neuritis - complications; Optic Neuritis - diagnosis; Retrospective Studies; Uveitis - complications; Uveitis - diagnosis; Vision Disorders - diagnosis; Vision Disorders - etiology
• ISSN: 0887-8994; 1873-5150
• DOI: 10.1016/0887-8994(95)00023-9

In a retrospective review, the eye symptoms of 17 children (mean age: 131/2 years) who had definite multiple sclerosis (Poser's criteria) and 15 who had probable multiple sclerosis over the last 18 years were evaluated. Follow-up varied from 3 weeks to 6 years. Of 94% of children (16 of 17) with ophthalmologic symptoms, 47% (8 of 17) presented with an initial disturbance of vision. Twelve children had optic neuritis, 1 progressive uveitis, and 4 brainstem symptoms (i.e., VIth nerve palsy, 11/2 syndrome, internuclear ophthalmoplegia). Four children had cerebellar signs (nystagmus, saccadic pursuit). In 4 children, clinical localization was less specific. Recovery was generally good in most of the children; cerebellar problems were most persistent. Multimodal potentials were more helpful for investigation of optic neuritis and cerebellar lesions than for brainstem lesions. In the cohort of probable multiple sclerosis of 15 children, 11 had eye symptoms (5 with neuromyelitis optica, 4 optic neuritis, 1 internuclear ophthalmoplegia, and 1 cerebellar symptoms). Ophthalmologic symptoms are slightly more frequent in children with multiple sclerosis than in adults and should be specifically investigated to establish the diagnosis.