demyelinization
Quick Summary
Demyelinating diseases are characterized by the destruction of myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers. This loss of insulation disrupts the conduction of electrical impulses along nerves. While demyelination can occur after viral infections or vaccinations, multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common condition of this type.123
In demyelinating diseases, small areas of inflammation, known as plaques, form within the central nervous system. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors may play a role. Symptoms of MS, which typically begin in young adulthood, can include vision disturbances, speech difficulties, numbness, coordination problems, and bladder issues. In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells produce myelin, and damage to these cells, as seen in conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome, also leads to demyelination and blocked nerve conduction.124
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