Myelin disorders result from damage to the protective coating around nerve cells and can have various causes. Multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, Devic’s disease, Canavan disease, Krabbe disease, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are examples. Symptoms are managed as they develop, and treatment is about managing each symptom.
Myelin is a medical term used to describe the protective coating around nerve cells that acts as an insulator, and myelin disorders are conditions that result from damage to this protective sheath and can have a variety of causes. Some of the more common types of myelin disorders include multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, and Devic’s disease. Canavan disease, Krabbe disease, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are further examples of disorders affecting myelin. Any custom questions or concerns about specific myelin disorders should be discussed with a physician or other medical professional.
Multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis are among the most common types of myelin disorders. In many cases, multiple sclerosis is progressive and can eventually cause permanent damage to the nerves themselves in addition to the myelin. Symptoms can include pain, fatigue and muscle weakness. Optic neuritis is a term used to describe inflammation of the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss and pain. As with all myelin disorders, there is no cure, so treatment is about managing each individual symptom as it develops.
Devic’s disease is similar to multiple sclerosis in many ways and involves inflammation of the optic nerve and spinal cord. Blindness, paralysis, and urinary or bowel incontinence are possible complications of this disorder. Canavan disease is also among the possible myelin disorders. This is a type of birth defect in which the myelin sheath does not develop properly. Possible symptoms of Canavan disease include abnormal muscle tone, mental retardation, or hearing loss.
Krabbe disease is a rare inherited disease that causes the slow destruction of the myelin sheath and brain cells. This disease is typically found among children and symptoms can include unexplained fevers, irritability and seizures. Muscle weakness and slowing of physical and mental development are also common among those suffering from this disease. Most patients with this disease in childhood will not survive beyond the age of two.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a relatively common inherited neurological disorder. The ability to walk, talk or breathe may be impaired in those born with this disease. Muscle weakness, foot deformity, and pain also occur frequently. The symptoms of this disease tend to progress as the child grows and each symptom is treated individually as it starts causing problems for the patient. Physical therapy or supportive devices such as braces can help prevent or delay the need for more invasive treatment methods, such as surgery.
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