If youre unfamiliar with the word demyelination, we dont blame you.
Simply put, demyelination causes demyelinating diseases, which are characterized by various neurological symptoms.
Myelin protects the axons.
Demyelination is the driving force of multiple sclerosis.
But whats most important about myelin is that it actually makes the information transmitted by our nerves go faster.
SELF spoke to experts to break it all down.
In fact, demyelination and multiple sclerosis are inextricably linked.
What causes demyelination in people with multiple sclerosis?
In this case, your immune system mistakenly attacks your myelin and damages the myelin sheath.
What causes those immune cells to inappropriately target the central nervous system?
Thats not to say that contracting Epstein-Barr causes MS directly, but the association is being further studied.
What are the different types of demyelination?
The other types of demyelination are rare, and experts are still trying to understand them better.
Here is a little more about the different types of demyelination:
What are common demyelination symptoms?
The demyelinating process can happen anywhere in the brain or along the spinal cord.
The location of the damage contributes to the symptoms you might experience.
There are other diseases beyond MS that are rooted in demyelination.
Approximately 1 in 15,000 people have ALD, according to theNLM.
What do I need to know about demyelination tests for multiple sclerosis?
There are no specific tests for multiple sclerosis.
Certain areas of your brain are full of myelin, Dr. Simkins says.
And the way the myelin looks on MRI is very distinct.
(Sclerosis refers to the scarring that happens in the demyelinated spots.)
What does demyelination treatment look like for those who have MS?
There is no cure for demyelinating diseases, but treatment can stop or slow demyelinating disease progression.
Unfortunately, completely repairing existing myelin damage is something experts cant do quite yet.
Our brains are not very effective at repairing that damaged myelin, Dr. Simkins says.
But in terms of preventing new or worsening demyelination, disease-modifying therapies are the first-line treatment.
Disease-modifying therapy is directed specifically at stopping new attacks.
The range of symptoms you experience will determine what kinds of secondary therapies may be most helpful.
Theyll be able to examine your specific disease course and hopefully get you on the road to proper treatment.
The earlier you catch it, the better your chances are of stopping new symptoms from developing.
Demyelinating diseases are unquestionably life-changing, but the right treatment plan can help you feel more in control.
