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Multiple sclerosis (MS) most commonly presents in young adults, although 3-5% of patients develop MS prior to the age of 18 years. The new and comprehensive consensus for the management of MS in Saudi Arabia includes recommendations for the management of MS and other CNS inflammatory demyelinating disorders in pediatric and adolescent patients. This article summarizes the key recommendations for the diagnosis and management of these disorders in young patients. Pediatric and adult populations with MS differ in their presentation and clinical course. Careful differential diagnosis is important to exclude alternative diagnoses such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). The diagnosis of MS in a pediatric/adolescent patient is based on the 2017 McDonald diagnostic criteria, as in adults, once the possibility of ADEM or NMOSD has been ruled out. Few data are available from randomized trials to support the use of a specific disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in this population. Interferons and glatiramer acetate are preferred initial choices for DMTs based on observational evidence, with the requirement of a switch to a more effective DMT if breakthrough MS activity occurs., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Authors deny any conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). NMOSD is an autoimmune, demyelinating condition characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve and/or the spinal cord, with symptoms that can range from mild impairment of movement to paralysis. The newly approved diagnostic criteria have improved the accuracy of NMOSD diagnosis. The management of NMOSD is under major revolution due to the many new therapeutic options. The role of the antibodies directed at aquaporin-4 (AQP4) has materialized as a biomarker for NMOSD. Several new treatments that target variable aspects in immunopathology such as IL-6, complement, or depletion of B cells are emerging. The management of AQP4-negative patients remains challenging., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)