Merck Manual

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Overview of Demyelinating Disorders

By

Michael C. Levin

, MD, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

Reviewed/Revised May 2023
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Topic Resources

Myelin sheaths cover many nerve fibers in the central and peripheral nervous system; they accelerate axonal transmission of neural impulses. Disorders that affect myelin interrupt nerve transmission; symptoms may reflect deficits in any part of the nervous system.

Demyelination is often secondary to an infectious, an ischemic, a metabolic, or a hereditary disorder or to a toxin (eg, alcohol, ethambutol). In primary demyelinating disorders, cause is unknown, but an autoimmune mechanism is suspected because the disorder sometimes follows a viral infection or viral vaccination.

Demyelination tends to be segmental or patchy, affecting multiple areas simultaneously or sequentially. Remyelination often occurs, with repair, regeneration, and complete recovery of neural function. However, extensive myelin loss is usually followed by axonal degeneration and often cell body degeneration; both may be irreversible.

Demyelination should be considered in any patient with unexplained neurologic deficits. Primary demyelinating disorders are suggested by the following:

  • Diffuse or multifocal deficits

  • Sudden or subacute onset, particularly in young adults

  • Onset within weeks of an infection or vaccination

  • Deficits that wax and wane

  • Symptoms suggesting a specific demyelinating disorder (eg, unexplained optic neuritis or internuclear ophthalmoplegia suggesting multiple sclerosis)

Specific tests and treatment depend on the specific disorder.

Table

References

  • 1. Kunchok A, Aksamit AJ Jr, Davis JM 3rd, et al: Association between tumor necrosis factor inhibitor exposure and inflammatory Central Nervous System Events. JAMA Neurol 77 (8):937–946, 2020. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.1162

  • 2. Oliveira MCB, de Brito MH, Simabukuro, MM: Central nervous system demyelination associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: Review of the literature. Front Neurol 11:538695, 2020. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.538695 eCollection 2020.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Drug Name Select Trade
Myambutol
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NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: View Consumer Version
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