Childhood multiple sclerosis – breaking down the barriers
Most people think of MS as a condition only affecting adults, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that children and teenagers can also be affected. However, MS still often remains unrecognised among children so people do not get the support they need. The MS Society wants to tackle this failing.
Paediatric MS is poorly understood. MS is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but recent research has shown an increase in the number of cases of MS identified in the under-16s. Since the issue was highlighted at the MS Society’s Frontiers research event in June 2007, we have been speaking to the Department of Health, to our Parliamentary supporters, and to MS experts to seek a way to bring this pressing issue into the spotlight.
LATEST NEWS:
The MS Society held a development day for professionals working with children with MS and their families. During the day, clinicians gave presentations of possible paediatric MS incidents. They highlighted some of the difficulties of diagnosing a child with MS. Delegates also heard from Patsy Peebles who was diagnosed with MS as a teenager. In the afternoon, the professionals explored how to discuss a new diagnosis of MS with children and their families.
During the day, Dr Evangeline Wassmer presented a toolkit to help professionals access PCT funding for disease modifying drugs for eligible children under 18 years old. If you would like more information about this, please contact us.
The story so far...
Childhood MS at MS Life
MS Life, the MS Society’s convention in Manchester, presented an opportunity for those affected by childhood MS to come together and discuss their experiences. Two workshops were held on March 28th and brought together 10 young people with MS and their parents in separate hour-long workshops, facilitated by experts and a young person with MS. As some of those involved had never met another individual in their position, the workshops represented an important source of support for people affected by childhood MS.
MS Society publishes report into childhood MS
Based on the outcomes of the childhood MS workshop held in November, a report, Paediatric Multiple Sclerosis, has been produced by the MS Society. The report contains key recommendations on how the Society can work with Government to push the issue up the agenda and contains full summaries of the lectures and workshops that took place during the day.
Download the report (321 kb) ![[pdf]](/display_images/document_icons/pdf.gif){kind=icon}
MS Society holds Childhood MS workshop
On 7 November 2007, the MS Society held an information and discussion day in London to learn more about childhood MS. The event considered the impact of MS on young people, current research into childhood MS, diagnosis and treatment, and services available.
Find out more about the childhood MS workshop
MS Society hosts Parliamentary Dinner on Childhood MS
Following on from the workshop event, Dr Ian Gibson MP hosted a working parliamentary dinner for the MS Society to discuss recommendations developed during the workshop.
Find out more about the childhood MS parliamentary dinner
