Myelin is an insulating layer that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty substances.
The purpose of the myelin sheath is to allow impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells. If myelin is damaged, the impulses slow down. This can cause diseases such as
Whether you have been diagnosed, in the process of being diagnosed, or wonder what it takes to get diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it is... Read more »
The Immune System: Invaders and Defenders We are surrounded by billions of bacteria and viruses which try to invade our bodies and... Read more »
New research suggests that the drug Tysabri may regenerate and stabilize damage done to the myelin sheath in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Central pontine myelinolysis is brain cell dysfunction caused by the destruction of the layer (myelin sheath) covering nerve cells in the brainstem... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves (those outside the brain and spine).Alternative... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
A nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.Alternative NamesBiopsy - nerveHow the test is performedThe sural nerve (in... Read more »
Source: Medifocus Guidebook on: Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is the most common facial pain syndrome and is often described as "the most terrible pain known to man". Trigeminal... Read more »