demüelinatsioonihaigusi

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 rapid transmission of electrical signals. When myelin is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses are slowed or blocked, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms.

The exact causes of demyelinating diseases are not fully understood, but they are often believed to involve an autoimmune response where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own myelin. Genetic predisposition, viral infections, and environmental factors are also thought to play a role in the development of these conditions.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system. Other central nervous system demyelinating disorders include neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). In the peripheral nervous system, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a well-known demyelinating condition.

Symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of myelin damage. They can include weakness, numbness, tingling, vision problems, fatigue, balance issues, and cognitive difficulties. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of neurological examination, medical history, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize lesions, and sometimes cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

While there is currently no cure for most demyelinating diseases, treatments focus on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and slowing disease progression. These may include immunomodulatory therapies, corticosteroids, and physical or occupational therapy.