Pediatric multiple sclerosis: Effects on family and friends

Pediatric multiple sclerosis affects not only the individual but also significantly affects family and friends. Roles and relationships may change. Parents or guardians must take on the role of caregiver for a child or adolescent with multiple sclerosis in addition to their parenting and child-rearing duties. A hallmark of multiple sclerosis is relapsing and remitting symptoms. However, some symptoms do not remit and become chronic. An individual may become affected in many ways including sensation, hearing, vision, speech, and movement. As a result, physical, social, and economic effects are an inevitable part of the disease. Good support is critical for the individual with multiple sclerosis, their family and caretakers, and their friends.