Chronic Inflammation Linked to Brain Shrinkage in Children with Multiple Sclerosis

A new study just uncovered a strong connection between chronic inflammation in the brain and early signs of brain shrinkage in kids with multiple sclerosis (MS). For families and doctors, that’s a tough pill to swallow.MS doesn’t just strike adults — kids get it too. And while most research until now has focused on adults, this new evidence makes it clear: ongoing inflammation in young brains can start eating away at brain tissue, even before any obvious disabilities show up. It’s a wake-up call for better monitoring and care.What did the research findThe researchers behindthe study, “Paramagnetic Rim Lesions in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Their Association With Brain Tissue Atrophy,” which was published in the journal Neurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, looked at MRI scans from kids with MS and spotted a certain kind of stubborn inflammation called paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs).IPL Auction 2026IPL Auction 2026: Miller goes to DC for Rs 2 crore; Green issues bidding warIPL 2026 Auction live streaming: Date, time, purse left, where to watchIPL Auction 2026: Full list of retained and released playersThese PRLs showed up in almost three-quarters of the kids studied. The more PRLs a child had, the more brain tissue they tended to lose, especially in areas responsible for thinking, memory, movement, and coordination.In other words, this kind of inflammation isn’t just a passing phase. It seems to chip away at the brain over time.Social Media and Parenting: How to Ensure Safety of ChildrenWhat happens in MSMultiple Sclerosis is a disease where the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord, stripping away the protective myelin sheath around nerves.With that protection gone, nerve signals get scrambled, and all sorts of neurological problems can pop up — numbness, blurry vision, balance problems, fatigue, and weakness. MS usually starts in young adults, but when it shows up in kids, it can be especially tough.There’s no cure for MS yet. Hence, the treatments for this chronic autoimmune disease focus on slowing things down and easing symptoms.Why inflammation matters in pediatric MSIn MS, the body’s immune response damages myelin, but it doesn’t stop there — the nerves themselves and the brain’s structure can take a hit too.The PRLs on MRI scans are like warning lights, showing places where immune cells keep the inflammation burning. These “hot spots” might not cause symptoms right away, but they keep damaging tissue under the radar. Researchers noticed that kids with more PRLs kept losing brain volume, even if they didn’t look any worse physically in the short run.So, the brain can be shrinking behind the scenes before anyone realizes it.That’s especially concerning for kids, since their brains are still developing. Losing brain tissue early on could mess with learning, memory, movement, and overall growth down the line. Other studies back this up — slow-growing, “silent” lesions are common in pediatric MS and can stunt brain growth, even if disability scores don’t change much right away.What does all this mean for care?For parents and doctors, a few things stand out:Chronic inflammation matters, even if attacks aren’t happening all the time.Brain damage can still be piling up.Advanced MRI scans that spot PRLs are crucial. They can help doctors figure out which kids are at higher risk and might need more aggressive treatment.Acting early can make a difference. Since brain loss can sneak up before any major disability, starting treatment sooner could help protect young brains. Sure, more research is needed in this field to arrive at a more definite conclusion; however, the message is clear.Regular check-ins, both with imaging and cognitive testing, help track what’s going on and shape treatment plans.As for parents, here’s what to keep in mind: Talk to your child’s neurologist about regular MRI scans to keep an eye out for these chronic lesions. Ask how inflammation could affect your child’s brain development and what treatment options are on the table to slow things down. The good news? Kids often recover better than adults, so catching problems early really matters.What’s nextThis particular study was on the smaller side and didn’t follow patients for years, but it points to something big: chronic inflammation is quietly chipping away at young brains with MS, and spotting it early gives kids their best shot at a healthier future.Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here