Multiple Sclerosis is a nervous disorder caused by the damage to myelin, the protective covering over a nerve. One of its symptoms is Focal or Periventricular demyelination. The primary function of myelin is to transmit messages from the brain to the nerves. When myelin is damaged, it cannot transmit the messages. This eventually results in the withering of the nerve. The first organ to be affected are normally the eyes. The patient will get double vision and would experience excruciating pain while rotating the eye balls. Other symptoms include spells of dizziness, feeling of numbness in the arms and torso, fatigue, impaired balance and dysfunctional bladder, bowel and sexual organs. The symptoms and intensity of discomfort and pain usually vary from case to case.
What is Focal or Periventricular demyelination?
White matter abnormalities or lesions can be detected in the eye of a person afflicted with Focal or Periventricular demyelination. Exacerbation of this condition will cause severe damage to the eyes. Though primarily seen in adults, Focal or Periventricular demyelination can occasionally affect children and young adults. It usually manifests among individuals who are within the age group of 20 to 50. This condition is also called optic neuritis.
Treatment for Focal and Periventricular demyelination
Treatment of Focal demyelination is different from that of Periventricular demyelination. Choosing the right treatment depends upon the type of the symptom associated with demyelination. It could include corticosteroids medication, which helps treating Focal or Periventricular demyelination in the short term. The long term effects of this drug are still under investigation. Treatment is usually done to manage the symptoms and to prevent an acute relapse of the disease. A course of tapering oral corticosteroids could be used to manage this symptom.
As a result of Focal or Periventricular demyelination the eyes can get severely damaged, especially if the condition is not promptly treated. It is highly recommended to start a treatment right away to prevent a recurrence or further damage to the nerves. Alternate treatments are also available, but these do not have any medical backing. They adapt a holistic approach and address the symptoms, besides strengthening the weakened muscles. However, none of the available treatments can reverse the damage that has already been done, but can surely help in avoiding any further recurrence and aid relief from the symptoms.
