We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Acute Demyelination?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,986
References
Share

Myelin is a soft, white, fatty material that protect cell membranes. Acute demyelination is rapid stripping of the protective myelin sheaths that cover the nerves. This differs from chronic diseases which slowly erode myelin over time, causing progressive symptoms. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an example of a chronic demyelinating disease, while Guillain-Barré is an acute condition. Such diseases can be challenging to treat, depending on the underlying cause, and patients may need physical therapy and other interventions to retain function in the wake of myelin injuries.

Patients can develop acute demyelination for a number of reasons. One potential cause is an acute and rapid immune reaction, where the body mistakenly identifies proteins found in myelin as invaders and starts attacking them. This can be seen with Guillain-Barré, also known as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculppathy (AIDP). Another issue can be exposure to toxins like organophosphates, which rapidly destroy myelin in the body.

As myelin erodes, nerves cannot conduct signals as efficiently and accurately. The patient might start to develop tremors, loss of muscle control, and stiffness. Pain can occur along the affected nerves, along with weakness. If the condition spreads, it can cause increasingly serious symptoms, eventually leading to respiratory failure when the nerves that control breathing can no longer function.

This makes it impossible to breathe independently, which means they may need mechanical ventilation to live. It can also expose patients to risks like pneumonia from food aspiration, as they often lose control over chewing and swallowing as well. Acute demyelination patients may require carefully managed care to get adequate nutrition and respiratory support.

If a doctor suspects acute demyelination on the basis of symptoms, medical imaging can provide information. It may also be necessary to take biopsy specimens and blood samples to learn more about the processes inside the patient. Understanding the case can help the doctor prescribe a course of treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, can suppress immune reactions to stop the body before it eats its own myelin, while supportive care may help people recover from organophosphate exposure.

Stabilizing a patient with acute demyelination is important, as is attempting to arrest the damage to prevent further injury. Once the patient’s condition appears to be stable, the doctor can discuss options like therapy to improve muscle strength and coordination. This can help a patient retain independence and may allow people to return to previous activities, depending on the location and extent of the damage. Recommendations to prevent a repeat of the injury may also be provided, such as controlling pesticides better to limit exposure to organophosphates.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-acute-demyelination.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.