Demyelination is the breakdown of the protective coating around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, causing a slow transmission of messages. Multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, and inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy are common causes. There is no cure, but medication and physical therapy can help manage symptoms and slow progression.
Demyelination is the breakdown of the protective covering of nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain. This protective coating, called the myelin sheath, helps promote proper nerve function. Demyelination is a condition known as demyelinating disease. There are several causes of demyelination.
Myelin, found in the insulating white matter around nerves, is an important part of nerves. During the transmission of information, myelin is responsible for receiving and interpreting the messages sent by the brain. When myelin is damaged or destroyed, the rate of message transmission slows down. The brain sends messages as it should, but the nerves don’t get them fast enough.
One of the most common causes is multiple sclerosis. This disease occurs when a person’s immune system begins attacking the myelinated nerve sheaths, often as a result of chronic inflammation. Without coverage, nerve damage occurs. People with multiple sclerosis can experience scarring, called lesions, in the spine and brain. The scar prevents the proper transmission of nerves throughout the body.
Transverse myelitis is another possible cause of this condition. This disorder affects the neurological system. It causes the breakdown of myelin around nerves and nerve axons. Chronic inflammation occurs on both sides of the spinal cord. Inflammation and demyelination are often the result of a primary condition such as multiple sclerosis.
Another cause is inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Two common forms of this condition are chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). CIDP and GBS cause myelin degeneration which is the result of an immune system response. Cells of the immune system see the body’s nerves as foreign antigens and start attacking them.
Many causes of demyelination currently have no cure. Medications can be prescribed by doctors to reduce lesion formation. Symptom management and slowing the progression of the primary condition are the main focus of treatments. Using medications to help with symptom management is part of the treatment.
Treatments for any of the causes of demyelination depend on each individual and the type of condition the person has. Because of how demyelination and the primary condition affects nerves and the body in general, treatments often include more than just prescription drugs. Doctors may also choose to implement physical therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Physical therapy helps patients learn how to keep their muscles moving properly. This treatment can also help patients learn to live fully despite their debilitation.
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