Differential diagnosis and evaluation in pediatric multiple sclerosis.

The differential diagnosis for multiple sclerosis (MS) in childhood and adolescence includes infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic disorders as well as metabolic neurogenetic leukodystrophies, toxic leukodystrophies, and vascular conditions. The evaluation is determined by the clinical and neuroradiologic presentation. A minimal diagnostic battery is proposed. More expanded evaluations are indicated for specific or atypical clinical presentations.