Demüelinatsioonihaigused

Demüelinatsioonihaigused, also known as demyelinating diseases, are a group of neurological disorders characterized by damage to the myelin sheath. Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers (axons) in the central and peripheral nervous systems, facilitating the rapid transmission of electrical impulses. When myelin is damaged or destroyed, nerve signal conduction is impaired, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms.

The exact causes of demyelinating diseases are diverse and not always fully understood. They can be autoimmune, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own myelin. Genetic factors can also play a role, predisposing individuals to certain conditions. In some cases, infections or environmental exposures have been implicated.

Symptoms of demyelinating diseases vary greatly depending on the location and extent of myelin damage. Common manifestations include visual disturbances (such as blurred vision or double vision), sensory changes (numbness, tingling, pain), motor problems (weakness, spasticity, coordination difficulties), and cognitive impairments (memory problems, fatigue). The onset of symptoms can be sudden and severe, or gradual and progressive.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Other examples include neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and certain peripheral neuropathies like Guillain-Barré syndrome. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize lesions, and sometimes lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment strategies aim to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and slow disease progression, with specific therapies tailored to the individual condition.