Some demyelinating diseases affect the brain and/or spinal cord.
Others affect the peripheral nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord.
It also describes some common demyelinating disorders.
Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou
Each eye has anoptic nervethat controls vision and carries signals to the brain.
The myelin sheath function is to protect nerves and allow them to send signals efficiently.
The symptoms of demyelination correspond to the affected area of the nervous system.
For example,peripheral neuropathyaffects thehandsand feet in what is often described as a stocking and glove distribution.
Demyelination affecting the lower spine or thespinal nervescauses sensory changes or weakness of the legs.
It may also diminish bowel and bladder control.
Demyelination in the brain can cause a variety of problems, such as impaired memory or decreased vision.
Peripheral neuropathy tends to gradually worsen.
In some demyelinating conditions, such ascerebral adrenoleukodystrophy(CALD), the effects do not improve.
In fact, they can be fatal.
Demyelinating Diseases and Their Causes
Demyelination is often caused byinflammationthat attacks and destroys myelin.
Toxin exposure and some nutritional deficiencies can also cause or contribute to demyelination.
Sometimes demyelination occurs as a single episode, while other times it is ongoing.
Demyelination can occur at any age, but each demyelinating condition tends to affect certain age groups.
Genetics, health history, and exposures can also factor into one’s risk.
It can also be due to inherited conditions.
Similar to B12 deficiency,copper deficiencycan affect the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
Recovery depends on the extent of the damage.
Medications and toxin exposurescan temporarily damage myelin or may cause long-term damage.
This can affect its function and production of new myelin.
It can be very difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of toxin-induced demyelination.
Once the offending agent is identified, reducing exposure is the key to recovery.
Diagnosing Demyelinating Disease and Demyelination
Demyelination is diagnosed using several different methods.
There are usually patterns of demyelination that correspond to different conditions.
Given the possible diagnoses, it’s easy to see how widely treatments can differ.
Regardless, though, treatment is focused on management of symptoms and preventing further demyelination.
Typically, myelin regenerates on its own.
If there is little or no nerve damage, symptoms can resolve and neurological recovery is possible.
At present, there is no treatment that can restore or rebuild myelin.
Immunosuppression
Treatments may be aimed at blocking or suppressing the pathways which can lead to inflammation.
For example, since multiple sclerosis is chronic, it is managed with MSdisease-modifying therapy (DMT).
Steroids and DMTs work by suppressing the immune system to prevent an inflammatory attack on the myelin.
This probably won’t reverse symptoms but can prevent further neurological damage.
Supplements
The use of supplements can be helpful to restore nutritional deficiencies.
Symptomatic Treatment
Treatment can be tailored to a specific symptoms.
For example, some people need medication to ease pain or discomfort.
Medication can also help control symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
For other people, bladder dysfunction can improve with medication.
However, research is lacking or shows no benefit.
Toxins or infections can also harm myelin or may interfere with its production.
A lack of myelin formation can also be brought on by certain nutritional deficiencies.
The symptoms of demyelination correspond to the affected area of the nervous system.
Treatment depends on the condition behind the demyelination.
Some demyelinating diseases are very serious and can progress rapidly or be potentially fatal.
Others may occur as one episode with no lasting damage.
Any autoimmune disease that attacks the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves can cause demyelination.
Multiple sclerosis is the most common.Other examples include Guillain-Barre syndrome and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
There is no cure for demyelinating disease, so symptoms and progression vary.
Early diagnosis and treatment can often improve prognosis and reduce damage.
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