A cursory look at the information available under demyelination definition and demyelination of nerves clearly indicates that it’s a disease where the myelin sheath that covers the neurons is damaged. This impairs the conduction of signals from the brain to the nerves. The term demyelination of nerves indicates the effects of the disease, rather than the cause. Some demyelinating diseases are caused by genetic factors, while others are caused by infectious agents found in the environment. Strangely most of the cases are found in northern Europe in the colder regions, indicating a lack of vitamin D as a major external cause. One of the diseases that fall under the demyelination definition is Multiple Sclerosis, which is essentially damage to myelin. It causes an impairment of sensation, movement, bladder and bowel movement, fatigue, sensory perception and dizziness, depending on the level of damage and the nerves that have been affected.
What is Demyelination of nerves
The main function of the myelin sheath is to increase the speed of impulses along the sheath. It also prevents the electrical current from leaving the axon. When the myelin sheath is damaged, it does not regenerate perfectly. It may do so mildly, without finding the correct muscle fibers. At the same time some neurons die without regrowth. This is referred to as demyelination of nerves. Damage can range from slight peripheral nerve damage to severe damage in the central nervous system. By the time the condition matches with demyelination definition, signals along the nerve are severely impaired or lost and cause the nerve to wither away. This leads to increased functional insufficiency.
Treatment of demyelination
Currently, there are no cures available for demyelination of nerves. However, research is being done to find a medication or therapy that could repair the damage done to the myelin sheath. Even though with the current medical achievements, demyelination of nerves cannot be reversed, medications are available to avoid any further damage to the nerves. Use of medication at the earliest is highly recommended, to prevent disability at a later stage. As per demyelination definition, the average time frame for the onset of disability due to demyelination of nerves is about 20 years. In most cases, the initial symptoms may fade away, but might show up again years later. Demyelination definition states that the initial symptoms should not be taken as passing aches or pain, but should be thoroughly investigated and appropriate treatment should be undertaken, since demyelination of nerves can progress into one of its many subtypes. This can also lead to disability in the later stages.
