$Unique_ID{BRK00358}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Demyelination and Nerve Disease}
$Subject{demyelination nerve nerves multiple sclerosis Nervous System disease
diseases myelin insulating insulation sheath injury injured degenerate
degenerates lack oxygen toxic agents metabolic disorders lipoprotein fats
protein transmission electrical impulses axon congenital Tay-Sachs
Niemann-Pick Gaucher neurological central Multiple Sclerosis primary}
$Volume{F-2}
$Log{
Anatomy of Nerves*0008101.scf
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis*0008201.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Demyelination and Nerve Disease


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  Could you please discuss the meaning of the word "Demilonization"
as it refers to nerve disease.  Naturally we have a specific person in mind,
but if we can just understand this last piece of information, we are sure we
can put the whole story into place.  Thank you.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Sometimes it is the last piece of the puzzle that makes the picture
clear.  "Demyelination" is a process we see in nerve disease where the
insulating sheath that covers many nerve fibers and which is called "myelin"
is either injured or degenerates because of lack of oxygen, toxic agents, or
metabolic disorders.  Myelin is composed of layers made of lipoprotein (fats
and protein combination), and promotes the transmission of the electrical
nervous impulses along the axon of the nerve.  When the myelin degenerates,
the axon dies, and the impulses can no longer prompt muscles to work or carry
the sensory sensations to the brain.  Some types of metabolic congenital
disease, such as Tay-Sachs, Niemann-Pick and Gaucher's Disease, affect the
developing myelin sheath, causing widespread neurological disease.  When
demyelination occurs in the central nervous system as a basic cause of several
diseases, they are known as primary demyelinating disease.  Multiple sclerosis
is perhaps the most common of these diseases.  In many cases of these
disorders, the myelin can regenerate and repair itself with the return of
nerve function or remission.  Unfortunately, degeneration can recur with the
pattern of disease, exacerbation and remission being common.  It is difficult
to know from your letter exactly what you wish to know, but I hope this
information is helpful.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.