demyelinating encephalitis

Demyelinating encephalitis is a type of encephalitis, which is the inflammation of the brain. In this condition, the myelin sheath, which insulates nerve fibers, is gradually destroyed. This can occur as a complication of viral diseases like measles or chickenpox, or as a result of vaccinations. While the nerve cell body itself is not damaged, the loss of myelin disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses.12

Demyelinating diseases, in general, are characterized by the destruction of myelin. Multiple sclerosis is the most common demyelinating disease, but demyelination can also result from viral infections or vaccinations. In demyelinating neuropathies, Schwann cells, which produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system, are affected, leading to the loss of insulation around axons and blocking nerve impulse conduction.32