demyelinations
Demyelinations are processes involving loss or damage of the myelin sheath surrounding axons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Myelin facilitates rapid action potential conduction; its loss slows impulses, causes conduction block, and leads to a range of neurological symptoms depending on the affected regions.
Demyelination occurs in a spectrum of diseases. In the CNS, examples include multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis,
Pathophysiology typically involves autoimmune or inflammatory attacks on myelin or the cells that form it (oligodendrocytes
Diagnosis combines clinical assessment with investigations. CNS involvement is evaluated by MRI, which shows focal or
Treatment is disease- and context-specific. Acute attacks are typically treated with high-dose corticosteroids; severe cases may
Prognosis varies by disease; some are monophasic and recover, others are relapsing or progressive. Early diagnosis