[Multiple sclerosis in childhood and adolescence : Complex, chronic and differentiated].

Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most important acquired neurological disorders in childhood and adolescence. A timely recognition, diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance. This article highlights the current state of knowledge on the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical presentation and treatment in childhood. Although the rate of progression of disability in the early years is slower in younger patients compared to adults, a disease-modifying therapy should be started once MS is diagnosed.