CNS demyelinating autoimmune diseases are

autoimmune disease An autoimmune disease is a condition arising from an abnormal immune response to a functioning body part. At least 80 types of autoimmune diseases have been identified, with some evidence suggesting that there may be more than 100 types. Nearly a ...

s which primarily affect the central nervous system.

Types

Examples include: * Diffuse cerebral sclerosis of Schilder * Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis * Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis *

Multiple sclerosis Multiple (cerebral) sclerosis (MS), also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata or disseminated sclerosis, is the most common demyelinating disease, in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This d ...

(though the cause is unknown, it is sure that immune system is involved) * Transverse myelitis * Neuromyelitis optica

Presentation

Since the neural impulse is inhibited in this condition it may lead to

paresthesia Paresthesia is an abnormal sensation of the skin (tingling, pricking, chilling, burning, numbness) with no apparent physical cause. Paresthesia may be transient or chronic, and may have any of dozens of possible underlying causes. Paresthesias ar ...

, muscle weakness, unsteady gait, paralysis, vision loss and other motor dysfunctions.

Causes

CNS demyelination autoimmune disease causes the myelin sheath to deteriorate since the sense of recognition of self is lost. The loss of the myelin insulation either disrupts or prevents neural conduction along the nerve cell's axon.

Nervous System

The brain and the spinal cord are the essential components of the central nervous system and it is responsible for the integration of the signals received from the afferent nerves and initiates action. The nerve cells, known as neurons, carry impulses throughout the body and the nerve impulses are carried along the axon. These microscopic nerve fibers, where the action potential occurs, are protected by a white, fatty tissue that surrounds and insulates it, known as the myelin sheath. This insulation helps the axon of a nerve cell with the conduction and speed of the signal along the axon.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of the demyelination can vary. Some of the factors that contribute to the deteriorating of the myelin are due to inflammatory processes, acquired metabolic derangements, viral demyelination, and hypoxic-ischaemic demyelination.

Diagnosis

References

External links

{{Demyelinating diseases of CNS Autoimmune diseases