The demyelinating disease of the brain is a rather serious and dangerous problem, because the disease affects the nerve tissue, which, of course, affects the work of the whole organism. So what is a similar condition? What are the symptoms associated with? Are there effective treatments.
What is a demyelinating process?
Some nerve endings (in particular, axons of the peripheral and central nervous system) are covered with a specific myelin sheath. This structure performs a number of important functions. In particular, myelin is responsible for the rate of transmission of electrical impulses along nerve fibers. In addition, the membrane performs barrier and supporting functions, and is also responsible for the nutrition of nerve endings.
A demyelinating disease of the brain is accompanied by some kind of damage to the myelin sheath, which naturally affects the functioning of nerve cells. By the way, demyelinating diseases represent a whole group of various lesions of the nervous system, each of which has its own characteristics and is accompanied by a unique set of symptoms.
Demyelinating Brain Disease: Causes
It is far from always possible to find out the reason for the appearance of such a process. Nevertheless, in modern medicine it is customary to distinguish several main risk factors. For example, quite often a similar ailment develops against the background of hereditary diseases, including aminoaciduria, leukodystrophy, Alexander’s disease, etc.
Demyelization can be acquired. In some cases, damage to the myelin sheaths occurs against the background of infectious inflammatory diseases, less often after the introduction of vaccines. Diseases such as diffuse and multiple sclerosis, acute transverse myelitis can also cause demyelination of nerve fibers.
On the other hand, such diseases can be caused by some metabolic disorders. In particular, the cause is often an acute deficiency of vitamin B12, central pontine myelinosis and some other conditions.
Demyelinating Brain Disease: Symptoms
Of course, many people are interested in what kind of changes you need to pay attention to. Unfortunately, the symptoms in this case depend on the location of the lesions, the stage and characteristics of the course of the disease.
Naturally, there are some signs that may indicate that a person develops one or another demyelinating disease of the brain. As a rule, first of all, the patient develops increased fatigue and decreased working capacity. The main symptoms can also include one degree or another of impaired coordination, as well as changes in gait, tremor.
In addition, some patients note changes in sensitivity - it can either increase, decrease, or even disappear completely. Signs include periodic sensations of burning and tingling in the limbs.
In addition, a demyelinating disease of the brain can also cause disturbances in the functioning of the pelvic organs. For example, in some patients, stool or urine retention or, conversely, incontinence is observed.
Naturally, such diseases affect the mental state of a person. Depressive states, certain behavioral disorders can develop. Often, progressive demyelination causes a decrease in the level of intelligence.
The most common diseases caused by the demyelinating process
In fact, there are many diseases that are somehow related to the process of damage to myelin fibers. For example, Devik's disease, which is accompanied by inflammation and demyelination of the optical nerves and some segments of the spinal cord , is considered quite specific .
Chronic diseases include atrophic lateral sclerosis, which is most often manifested in adulthood. The list of diseases can be replenished with pathologies such as acute encephalomyelitis, Crabbe disease, periaxial encephalitis, Balo concentric sclerosis (more common at a young age), Marburg sclerosis, and many others.
Modern diagnostic methods
If there is the slightest suspicion of such a disease, you should consult a doctor. Naturally, there are many diagnostic methods, but a kind of "gold standard" is magnetic resonance imaging of the head. The results of MRI help the doctor determine the localization of the demyelination process, as well as the stage of development of the disease, especially its course and the rate of progression.
Further studies will be required, in particular, blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests, etc. These tests provide an opportunity to find out the cause of the development of the disease, which is extremely important for drawing up an effective treatment regimen.
Is there an effective treatment?
Unfortunately, today there are no means capable of quickly and permanently rid a patient of such an ailment. Nevertheless, every year there are more and more drugs that are prescribed to patients with a diagnosis of "demyelinating disease of the brain." Treatment, of course, depends on the variety and stage of development of the disease.
Beta-interferon preparations are considered quite effective, which pretty well block the further progression of the disease and the risk of developing disability. According to statistics, such a course of treatment by 30% reduces the likelihood of certain complications.
Depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease, therapy also includes the intake of muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs (usually corticosteroids), as well as cytostatics. Nootropic drugs, amino acid complexes, and neuroprotective drugs have a positive effect on the brain.
Approximately such treatment requires a demyelinating disease of the brain. The prognosis for patients depends on the variety and form of the disease, as well as the speed of its progression and the quality of care provided to the person. And do not forget that the development of new drugs is still underway.