Demyelinating diseases
Demyelinating Diseases
Demyelinating diseases (/dɪˈmaɪəlɪneɪtɪŋ/ di-MY-ə-li-nay-ting) are a group of neurological disorders that specifically affect the myelin sheath, a protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. The term "demyelinating" derives from the Greek words "dys" meaning "bad" or "difficult", and "myelos" meaning "marrow" or "substance".
Types of Demyelinating Diseases
There are several types of demyelinating diseases, including:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)
- Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Symptoms
Symptoms of demyelinating diseases can vary greatly depending on the specific disease and the areas of the nervous system affected. Common symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Balance and coordination problems
- Blurred vision or double vision
Causes
The exact cause of demyelinating diseases is often unknown. However, they are generally thought to occur as a result of an immune-mediated process, possibly triggered by a virus or other environmental factor in genetically susceptible individuals.
Treatment
Treatment for demyelinating diseases typically involves managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. This may include physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgery.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Demyelinating diseases
- Wikipedia's article - Demyelinating diseases
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