Marchiafava Bignami disease
Marchiafava-Bignami Disease
Marchiafava-Bignami disease (pronunciation: mar-kee-ah-fah-vah big-nah-mee disease) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by progressive demyelination of the corpus callosum. The disease is named after Italian pathologists Ettore Marchiafava and Amico Bignami, who first described it in 1903.
Etymology
The term "Marchiafava-Bignami disease" is derived from the names of the two Italian pathologists who first identified the condition. Ettore Marchiafava and Amico Bignami discovered the disease while studying the effects of chronic alcoholism on the brain.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Marchiafava-Bignami disease can vary widely, but often include cognitive impairment, difficulty walking (gait disturbances), and seizures. In severe cases, the disease can lead to coma or death.
Causes
While the exact cause of Marchiafava-Bignami disease is unknown, it is most commonly associated with chronic alcoholism. However, it has also been reported in individuals with malnutrition, particularly those with a deficiency in vitamin B1 (thiamine).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Marchiafava-Bignami disease is typically made through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can reveal the characteristic demyelination of the corpus callosum. Additional tests may include a physical examination, blood tests, and a neurological examination.
Treatment
Treatment for Marchiafava-Bignami disease primarily involves addressing the underlying cause, such as abstaining from alcohol or correcting nutritional deficiencies. In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Marchiafava Bignami disease
- Wikipedia's article - Marchiafava Bignami disease
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski