demyelinate
Remove nerve coating
To demyelinate is to damage or destroy myelin, the protective fatty sheath surrounding nerve fibers.
Demyelination disrupts nerve signal transmission and underlies diseases like multiple sclerosis: The lesions showed where the immune system had demyelinated portions of the spinal cord.
The process can cause numbness, weakness, or impaired coordination.
Neuron's signal-sending projection
- nodes of RanvierGaps in nerve insulation
- white matterPale neural fiber tissue
- nerve fibersSignal-conducting neural strands
- central nervous systemBrain plus spinal cord
peripheral nervous system · optic nerve · spinal cord · corpus callosum · brain stem · cerebellum · motor neurons · sensory neurons
Loss of sensation
- tinglingSlight stinging sensation
- weaknessDeficiency in force
- spasticityPathological muscle tightness
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
vision loss · diplopia · ataxia · tremor · gait disturbance · cognitive impairment · pain · paresthesia
Protective tissue response
- lesionsAreas of damaged tissue
- plaquesCommemorative mounted inscriptions
- neurodegenerationProgressive loss of neurons
- saltatory conductionImpulse jumping between myelin gaps
scarring · blood-brain barrier · T-cells · macrophages · antibodies
Autoimmune demyelinating neurological disease
- Charcot-Marie-ToothInherited motor-sensory neuropathy
- relapsing-remittingRecurring then temporarily resolving
Inflammation-suppressing steroid medications
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
- physical therapyRehabilitative movement-based medical care
- lumbar punctureExtracting cerebrospinal fluid diagnostically
axon
Neuron's signal-sending projection
- nodes of RanvierGaps in nerve insulation
- white matterPale neural fiber tissue
- nerve fibersSignal-conducting neural strands
central nervous system · peripheral nervous system · optic nerve · spinal cord · corpus callosum · brain stem · cerebellum · motor neurons · sensory neurons
numbness
Loss of sensation
- tinglingSlight stinging sensation
- weaknessDeficiency in force
- spasticityPathological muscle tightness
fatigue · vision loss · diplopia · ataxia · tremor · gait disturbance · cognitive impairment · pain · paresthesia · vertigo
inflammation
Protective tissue response
- lesionsAreas of damaged tissue
- plaquesCommemorative mounted inscriptions
- neurodegenerationProgressive loss of neurons
saltatory conduction · scarring · blood-brain barrier · T-cells · macrophages · antibodies
multiple sclerosis
Autoimmune demyelinating neurological disease
- Charcot-Marie-ToothInherited motor-sensory neuropathy
- relapsing-remittingRecurring then temporarily resolving
corticosteroids
Inflammation-suppressing steroid medications
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
- physical therapyRehabilitative movement-based medical care
- lumbar punctureExtracting cerebrospinal fluid diagnostically