Desmielinopatías

Desmielinopatías constitute a group of neurological disorders characterized by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerve fibers in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Myelin acts as an insulator, facilitating the rapid transmission of electrical signals. When myelin is damaged or destroyed, nerve signal conduction is impaired, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms.

These conditions can be broadly classified into demyelinating diseases and dysmyelinating diseases. Demyelinating diseases involve the breakdown of previously formed myelin, often due to inflammatory or autoimmune processes. Multiple sclerosis is a prominent example, where the immune system attacks myelin in the brain and spinal cord. Other examples include transverse myelitis and optic neuritis. Dysmyelinating diseases, on the other hand, arise from defects in the production or maintenance of myelin. Genetic disorders such as leukodystrophies fall into this category, affecting myelin formation from early development.

The symptoms of desmielinopatías are diverse and depend on the location and extent of myelin damage. They can include sensory disturbances like numbness and tingling, motor problems such as weakness and difficulty with coordination, visual impairments, fatigue, and cognitive changes. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize lesions in the white matter, and sometimes cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Treatment strategies vary depending on the specific condition and often focus on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and slowing disease progression.