Visual-Cognitive Processing Deficits in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is thought to be an autoimmune disorder which affects the central nervous system. According to the National Pediatric MS Center, in MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. When myelin or the nerve fiber is destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, and this produces the various symptoms of MS. One of these symptoms is cognitive dysfunction. According to the National Pediatric MS Center, approximately 50% of individuals with MS will develop problems with cognition. While the disorder is typically diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 30, approximately 5% of the cases diagnosed are children (National Pediatric MS Center). Additionally, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that 2% to 5% of adult patients with MS report having symptoms prior to age 18.
There are several challenges unique to the assessment and treatment of children with MS. First of all, because the symptoms of MS are similar to other childhood disorders, it is difficult to diagnose (National Multiple Sclerosis Society). Additionally, children may experience symptoms such as seizures and mental status changes that are not present in adults with MS (National Multiple Sclerosis Society). Finally, Smerbeck et al. (2011) report that cognitive impairments may be more significant in children than adults with MS because the central nervous system is still developing. Language impairment and verbal intelligence are particular concerns (Smerbeck, et al.). Therefore, valid and reliable assessment tools are crucial for identifying these cognitive impairments in children with MS. This paper will review a study designed to evaluate the validity of two such assessments.
Purpose of Research Study
According to Hubley (2010) the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMTR) is designed to measure visuospatial learning and memory in adults. The purpose of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is to provide a screening tool for detecting patients, children as well as adults, who have disease, damage, or dysfunction implicating the cerebral hemispheres...
Multiple Sclerosis Samira Ghaniwala Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease caused by activated T cells that gain entry into the central nervous system. The injury results from inflammation and T cell destruction. There are typical symptoms that co relate with the area involved. There are also remissions and relapses which can be triggered by certain factors. Diagnosis of the disease requires visualization of the lesions in the central white matter, on an
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease. It affects the brain and spinal cord, and damages the covers that insulate the nerve cells. When these covers are damaged, the nervous system experiences a breakdown in communication. This causes a wide range of symptoms and signs that can affect numerous areas of the body. Mental and physical problems appear, along with a host of psychiatric issues in some patients. Multiple sclerosis can
Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis or MS refers to an autoimmune, chronic condition which impacts physical movement, function and sensation. The problem sets in following neuron insulation destruction (i.e., myelin sheath destruction) within an individual’s central nervous system (CNS) (Cengage Learning, 2013). Symptoms of the disorder start showing up at early adulthood, greatly impacting patients’ domestic, social, and professional lives. As the absence of myelin retards action potential conduct, the disorder is
) between 20 and 50. Studies have shown that people with multiple sclerosis who exercise: c.) have less fatigue How many people in the United States are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis every week? A b.) about 200 ("Take the FDA Consumer") Dealing with Depression As depression is reportedly the most common psychiatric disorder in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, those caring for MS patients who express any sort of suicidal ideation should be closely monitored and referred
Its priorities are intergenerational programs for older but active citizens, which support independent living. These include housing, access to work, education, training and leisure, transition planning for younger disabled people and local action for the stigma of mental health problems (Department of Health p 8). National Multiple Sclerosis Society NMSS was organized in 1946 by those who want to do something about MS now (NMSS, 2010). They work together towards a
Once the nerve fibers are damaged, the nerve impulses that travel to and from the brain and spinal cord are interrupted, causing the variety of symptoms that can occur. Most people with MS learn to manage the disease and continue to have satisfying, useful, and positive lives. Signs and Symptoms Symptoms vary widely, depending on the amount of damage and which particular nerves are affected. People with severe cases of multiple sclerosis
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