The terms white matter demyelination and foci of demyelination refers to the lesions that are formed due to Multiple Sclerosis.
What causes white matter demyelination?
The nerves in our body are covered with a protective coating known as myelin. When the myelin gets damaged it causes white matter demyelination and foci of demyelination. The primary function of myelin is to pass the signals from the brain to the nerves. For reasons that are yet unknown, the immune system of the body sometimes turns itself on and attacks the myelin. When the myelin is damaged or destroyed, it can no longer pass the signals from the brain to the nerves. It does make an attempt to heal itself, but invariably fails to connect with the right mass of muscles. This is known as white matter demyelination. When this occurs, it causes the nerve to eventually wither away. This is how a patient starts suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
What are foci of demyelination?
When lesions are formed due to Multiple Sclerosis, their size indicates the severity of the illness. Foci of demyelination are the hypodense areas over the white matter. The measurements of lesions help in understanding the symptoms of this condition. This information is very important while choosing the treatment for this condition.
Symptoms of white matter demyelination and foci of demyelination
The disease is quite unpredictable and does not follow a given path. As of now, we do not know what causes this disease. There are a host of symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis and they differ from person to person. The common symptoms associated with white matter demyelination and foci of demyelination are dizziness, weakness, loss of sensation in the limbs, pain, cognitive disorders and sexual dysfunction.
Treatment for white matter demyelination and foci of demyelination
The treatment for white matter demyelination and foci of demyelination depends entirely on the symptoms the patient is facing. The drugs aim to lessen the pain and discomfort the patient experiences. It is not able to reverse the damage already done to the myelin and the nerves. Research is constantly been done to find a cure for this condition. Alternate therapies are also available that can help in alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by white matter demyelination and foci of demyelination. Alternate therapies include meditation, yoga and massage. Along with the treatments available, the patient will need to make a change in the lifestyle, in order to accommodate the changes that happen within the body. If the condition progresses, it can result in disability; so it’s best to address it at the onset.
