Demyelinating disease

Demyelinating disease: breakdown of myelin in the central nervous system

Demyelinating diseases are a group of diseases that are united by a single morphological feature - the breakdown of myelin in the central nervous system. Myelin is a substance that forms a sheath around nerve fibers and allows nerve impulses to be transmitted quickly.

The process of demyelination causes nerve impulses to be transmitted more slowly or not at all, which can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms. Demyelinating diseases can have various etiologies, including autoimmune, genetic and infectious factors.

One of the most common demyelinating diseases is multiple sclerosis. It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system begins to attack the myelin in the central nervous system. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may include paralysis, visual impairment, motor coordination, and cognitive impairment.

Another demyelinating disease is transversal myelinolysis, a rare disease characterized by the rapid breakdown of myelin in the brain and spinal cord. This disease can lead to severe neurological disorders such as paralysis and breathing problems.

Treatment of demyelinating diseases may include the use of immunomodulators, which help slow the process of demyelination, as well as symptomatic treatment to improve the quality of life of patients. It is important to note that treatment of demyelinating diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a qualified neurologist.

Demyelinating diseases **Demyelinating disease** is a general term for a whole group of diseases that are united by the type of destruction that occurs in the central nervous system. Diseases are described based on which proteins and tissues are affected by degenerative changes.

Conventionally, this is a group of diseases in which mechanical damage to the outer sheath of nerve fibers occurs or their normal protective function is weakened. The biologically significant difference is the destruction of the myelin sheath surrounding the axons of neurons. It is this phenomenon that predetermines the development of the clinical picture, characteristic symptoms and difficulties in treating these pathologies.

Demyelination processes can be triggered by various factors, but in any case they entail certain consequences. For example, a decrease in the protective myelin cushion around neurons contributes to increased injury to brain tissue. In response to damaged areas, areas are formed to compensate for cell loss due to the formation of new nerve fibers. At the same time, loss of sensitivity, weakening of reflexes and other pathologies may occur.

Causes of the disease Demyelinating diseases of the nervous system appear under the influence of various factors:

* Alcoholism or drug addiction is the cause of some cases; * Toxic effects