Intermediate
Technical
IVT
demyelination
The process of damage or loss of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers.
Full Definition
Demyelination refers to the pathological loss or damage of myelin sheaths that normally insulate nerve axons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This process significantly slows or blocks nerve signal transmission, leading to neurological symptoms. Demyelination is the hallmark of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, and can also result from infections, toxins, or metabolic disorders.
In Context
- "MRI scans revealed extensive demyelination in the white matter regions." — radiological report
- "The therapy aims to prevent further demyelination and promote repair processes." — treatment protocol
Contrasted with
myelination
remyelination
Don't confuse with
degeneration
denervation