A Case of Early Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis
Presenter Status
Fellow
Abstract Type
Case Report
Primary Mentor or Principal Investigator
Marcy Vandament, Ph.D.
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
21-5-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
21-5-2026 12:00 PM
Abstract Text
Background: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is a central nervous system neurodegenerative disease impacting individuals who experience symptom onset prior to the age of 18-years-old. Children and adolescents diagnosed with POMS prior to 16-years-old are considered as early POMS cases. Common neurocognitive weaknesses and behavioral concerns seen in this patient population include deficits in language (receptive, expressive, verbal fluency), memory, attention, executive functions, processing speed, visual-motor/fine-motor coordination/dexterity, depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Objectives/Goal: The current case study presents an 11-year-old boy, “Patient A,” who was diagnosed with POMS at 10-years-old.
Methods/Design: 11-year-old boy, “Patient A,” was referred for neuropsychological testing due to concerns related to a diagnosis of early POMS. A flexible, comprehensive battery was selected based on a review of available literature surrounding the neuropsychological evaluation of patients with POMS. Additional considerations (fatigue severity, need for extra breaks) were incorporated during the selection and omission of certain tests during the evaluation day.
Results: Results from testing demonstrated mild weaknesses in abstract reasoning and fine motor coordination/dexterity. Qualitative concerns surrounding executive functioning and mild depression were reported. Overall, no significant cognitive or behavioral concerns were revealed. Therefore, no additional diagnoses were provided aside from Patient A’s historical diagnosis of POMS.
Conclusions: Establishing a neurocognitive baseline for patients diagnosed with early POMS is pivotal for the monitoring of their cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive functioning over time. Incorporation of a pediatric neuropsychologist as part of the patient’s treatment team and the implementation of comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations can support this goal of longitudinal comparison.
A Case of Early Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis
Background: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is a central nervous system neurodegenerative disease impacting individuals who experience symptom onset prior to the age of 18-years-old. Children and adolescents diagnosed with POMS prior to 16-years-old are considered as early POMS cases. Common neurocognitive weaknesses and behavioral concerns seen in this patient population include deficits in language (receptive, expressive, verbal fluency), memory, attention, executive functions, processing speed, visual-motor/fine-motor coordination/dexterity, depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Objectives/Goal: The current case study presents an 11-year-old boy, “Patient A,” who was diagnosed with POMS at 10-years-old.
Methods/Design: 11-year-old boy, “Patient A,” was referred for neuropsychological testing due to concerns related to a diagnosis of early POMS. A flexible, comprehensive battery was selected based on a review of available literature surrounding the neuropsychological evaluation of patients with POMS. Additional considerations (fatigue severity, need for extra breaks) were incorporated during the selection and omission of certain tests during the evaluation day.
Results: Results from testing demonstrated mild weaknesses in abstract reasoning and fine motor coordination/dexterity. Qualitative concerns surrounding executive functioning and mild depression were reported. Overall, no significant cognitive or behavioral concerns were revealed. Therefore, no additional diagnoses were provided aside from Patient A’s historical diagnosis of POMS.
Conclusions: Establishing a neurocognitive baseline for patients diagnosed with early POMS is pivotal for the monitoring of their cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive functioning over time. Incorporation of a pediatric neuropsychologist as part of the patient’s treatment team and the implementation of comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations can support this goal of longitudinal comparison.
Comments
Full text not provided by primary author
Poster Board Number: 7