Define Myelin Sheath

The myelin sheath is the fatty, lipid-rich axon sheath or insulating layer, formed by the cell membranes, in both the peripheral nervous and central nervous systems that covers and protects nerves.

Facts

• Damage to myelin slows down the nerve impulses, causing neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, central pontine myelinolysis and leukodystrophy.

Multiple Sclerosis

• Multiple sclerosis, a disease caused by damage to the myelin sheath, blocks or slows down messages between the brain and body.

Central Pontine Myelinolysis

• Central pontine myelinolysis, also a disease caused by the destruction of the myelin sheath, does not occur on its own; it's a complication of treatment from other conditions like malnutrition from serious illnesses and alcoholism.

Leukodystrophy

• Leukodystrophy is a rare genetic disease affecting the myelin sheath. Although hard to detect early, it usually appears during infancy or childhood and can lead to problems with speaking, hearing, vision, movement and physical and medical development.

Diagnosis

• An MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) can be used to reveal any abnormalities in the brain stem and determine which disease or disorder may be caused by the damaged myelin sheath.