Myelin is the outer covering of the nerve fibers. Demyelinating diseases involve damage to this outer covering. With the myelin damaged, the nerve impulses can no longer communicate effectively, and symptoms such as muscle spasms, problems walking or tremors can result. A few demyelinating diseases of the brain and spinal cord lead to these symptoms.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord. Specific symptoms of multiple sclerosis include muscle spasms, trouble balancing, fatigue, problems walking, problems moving the arms or legs and tremors in the arms or legs. Additional symptoms include constipation, the need to urinate frequently, urinary incontinence, double vision, vision loss, facial pain, depression and hearing loss. These symptoms are intermittent and can flare up during times of stress, sun exposure, fever or when taking a hot bath.
Treatment for multiple sclerosis includes taking such medications as interferons, natazalizumab, methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide or steroids to slow the progression of the disease, says MedlinePlus. Amantadine may be taken for fatigue, antidepressants may be taken to control mood and behavior, and cholinergic medications can soothe urinary problems. Physical therapy, relaxation and exercise may be used to manage multiple sclerosis also.
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis refers to a severe inflammation of the myelin surrounding the brain and spinal cord, says the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Symptoms of this disease include fatigue, nausea, headache, seizures and possibly going into a coma. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis also causes visual loss, muscle weakness and lack of coordination.
Anti-inflammatory medications such as intravenous (through the vein) corticosteroids can be used to manage this disease. Plasmaphoresis and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy are available treatment options when corticosteroids do not work, says the NINDS. Plasmaphoresis involves filtering the liquid portion of the blood while intravenous immunoglobulin refers to injecting antibodies.
Transverse Myelitis
The NINDS says that transverse myelitis refers to an inflammation of one portion of the spinal cord. It states that inflammation usually occurs at the upper back (thoracic) level of the spinal cord. Symptoms of transverse myelitis include trouble moving the leg and controlling the bladder or bowels. Other symptoms include lower back pain, muscle weakness and tingling of the legs or feet. Paralysis and urinary retention are other transverse myelitis symptoms.
Treatment for transverse myelitis involves using corticosteroid therapy to decrease the inflammation. Physical can also help to strengthen the muscles and allow for increased range of motion.
