Demyelinating disorders are degenerative in nature and originate in the brain. The demyelinating process is the eventual wearing-away of the myelin sheath, a vital protective covering for nerves. Within this process, the body begins disconnecting with nerves resulting in a process of shutting down. Deterioration begins with the neuromuscular system and works its way towards heart and respiratory response.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder (CMT)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder (CMT) is an inherited neurological disorder that affects about 2.6 million individuals globally. The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association posits that this is a deteriorating state of the peripheral nerves that help the control sensory of muscles which tell them to contract and maintain balance. Ultimately this condition ends in scoliosis. There is no cure for this disorder (or any other demyelinating disorder), yet it can be treated with physical and occupational therapies and exercise.
Devic's Disease
There are two different types of Devic's disease disorders: optic neuritis (the presence of inflammation in the optic nerve) and myelitis (the presence of inflammation in the spinal cord). According to Myelitis.org, this condition often varies in tendency for relapse and can result in spasms and permanent blindness. The Transverse Myelitis Association reports current treatment options to include intravenous steroid treatments, plasma exchange and close observation of accompanying respiratory distress, heart complications, pneumonia, decubiti, and urinary tract infections.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition which reflects the presence of plaque or inflammation of white matter in the brain. Not only does this condition affect the central nervous system, but it deteriorates the myelin sheath, thus compromising neural transmissions to other areas. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke define treatment options to include proper nutrition, steroids, immunotherapy, plasma exchange, bone marrow transplants, physical therapies, protein antigens, and the addition of medications, which could include antidepressants and anticonvulsants for spastic behaviors.
Progessive Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is generally caused by an autoimmune reaction to polyomavirus (JC virus), resulting from organ transplants, AIDS, cancer or steroids. This is considered an infection that further depreciated white matter in the brain, myelin sheath and nerve fibers. Treatment includes building of immunity levels and antiretroviral therapy for AIDS.
References
- "Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association: An Overview of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder"; 2010.
- "The Transverse Lyelitis Association: Devic's Disease"; September 2009
- "National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Guillian-Barre Syndrome"; December 2009.
- National Institute Of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Leukodystrophy Information Page"; November 2009.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Multiple Sclerosis, Hope Through Research"; March 2010.
