Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder that has many different types and sub-types. Schilder’s disease is a sub-type of multiple sclerosis that begins in childhood. It is considered a variant of multiple sclerosis or a multiple sclerosis borderline disease, and it typically follows the same symptoms and treatment plan as MS. Schilder’s disease is a very rare form of multiple sclerosis. It typically occurs in children between the ages of five and fourteen, making it sometimes hard to diagnose. The diagnosis is usually based on an MRI scan, which will show lesions in the brain or spinal cord. There may not be many lesions present when the disease starts, which can be different from other types of multiple sclerosis.
Symptoms of this variant of multiple sclerosis include headache, vomiting, muscle weakness, incontinence, seizures, and dementia. Many of the symptoms have the same presentation as in other types of multiple sclerosis. This variant of multiple sclerosis can progress in a variety of different ways. It can be monophasic not remitting, meaning it has only one stage, remitting, meaning there are periods of relapse and remission, or progressive, in which the symptoms continually get worse and there are no periods of remission.
Treating Schilder’s Disease
There are many different types of treatment available for Schilder’s disease. As far as medication goes, it usually takes a similar course as the medication treatment for other types of multiple sclerosis. Intravenous treatment may be used in addition to injections administered at home. The medications that may be used include corticosteroids, immunosuppressant drugs, or beta-interferon. These medications do a lot to help control the symptoms of the disease, reduce inflammation in the body, and slow its progression.
Other treatment options include lifestyle changes. Gentle exercise can help keep a body afflicted with this disease strong and limber. It can help to reduce physical disabilities that occur in multiple sclerosis. With children, it is important to make sure they are exercising with an adult or a professional to be sure the exercise is gentle and healthy for their body. Nutrition is also important. Getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals can help a body to stay healthier for longer. It is also important to continue eating the right amount of foods even when feeding oneself becomes difficult due to the disorder.
