Multiple Sclerosis causes lesions to form in the affected part of the body. Tumefactive demyelination and pontine demyelination are types of these lesions.
Tumefactive Demyelination
These are lesions of more than 2 cm in size with the presence of mass effect, edema or ring enhancement. The characteristics of Tumefactive Demyelination can mimic other diseases and can even lead to wrong diagnosis. Often, it requires a brain biopsy to arrive at the right diagnosis.
Pontine Demyelination
Neurological diseases are caused by damaged myelin that covers the brain stem, usually the area known as the pons is referred to as Pontine Demyelination. Paralysis and difficulty in chewing are two common symptoms of this condition.
ATumefactive Demyelination that is more than 2 cm in size can have a very adverse effect on the patient, depending upon its location. This condition becomes critical when it’s compounded with Pontine Demyelination.
Symptoms of tumefactive and pontine demyelination
The common symptoms of tumefactive and pontine demyelination are blurred vision, bowel inconsistency, urine inconsistency, loss of feeling in limbs, dizziness and weakness. In extreme cases, paralysis is a possibility. Clinical depression can be easily caused by the symptoms of this condition. However, this would vary from person to person.
Treatment for Tumefactive and Pontine Demyelination
Though medication is available, it does not reverse the damage done to the nerves. It is primarily focused on stopping further damage to the myelin, thus preventing further damage to the nerves, which eventually could result in disability. Invariably, a person afflicted with these conditions will need to adopt a unique lifestyle that factors in the limitations they impose. Multiple Sclerosis symptoms are quite varied and no two people have the same limitations.
Simple tasks will seem impossible to perform and could possibly lead to a sense of frustration and depression. Counseling may be required to help the patient accept and cope with this new reality. There are self-help groups that one can reach out to. In the case of disability setting in, there may be a need to have someone who can assist the person on a full time basis. However, all limitations can be addressed with some changes in the way everyday tasks are performed.
