Myelin Sheath Damage in MS

In multiple sclerosis (MS), nerve conduction is disrupted by the destruction of the myelin sheath.

The central nervous system or CNS is the part of the nervous system made up of the brain and spinal cord.

• The brain controls most bodily functions, such as voluntary movements, perception of sensations, memory, awareness, and thoughts.
  • The cerebrum controls voluntary actions, speech, thought, and memory. The cortex, also called gray matter, is the outer part of the cerebrum and is made of neurons (nerve cells). Most of the brain's information processing is done in the cortex.
  • The brain is divided into two halves: the right hemisphere and the left hemisphere. These hemispheres lie on a central structure called the thalamus, which relays information between the peripheral input from the senses and the brain. Other central structures include the hypothalamus, which regulates automatic functions such as appetite and thirst, and the pituitary gland, which is partially responsible for growth, metabolism, and stress response.
  • The brain is connected with the brainstem (midbrain, pons, and medulla). The cerebellum is located posteriorly to the brainstem and plays a role in maintaining equilibrium and muscle tone. It also participates in complex mathematical and musical skills.
• The spinal cord sends messages from the brain to different parts of the body and receives messages back. The spinal cord is surrounded by the spinal column, which is made up of stacked bones called vertebrae.

Nerve cells are coated with sections of myelin, and the tiny spaces between the sections are called nodes. The myelin sheath prevents these impulses from escaping from the nerve at the wrong point. The body does its best to repair myelin, but some nerves may experience complete demyelination.

Myelin is a fatty material that coats, protects, and insulates nerves, enabling them to quickly conduct impulses between the brain and different parts of the body. Myelin also contains proteins that can be targeted by the immune system. Myelin coats the nerves of both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system; the destruction of the myelin in the central nervous system is what triggers many of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Nerve cells are coated with sections of myelin, and the tiny spaces between the sections are called nodes. As the brain sends messages through the nerves of the spinal cord, the impulses jump from node to node. The myelin sheath prevents these impulses from escaping from the nerve at the wrong point.

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the body's immune system T cells attack the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. The T cells either partially or completely strip the myelin off the fibers, leaving the nerves unprotected and uninsulated. The nerves are not able to pass messages from the brain to the other body parts. The messages the nerves try to send are delayed or distorted and the messages the brain receives may be misinterpreted.

Myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue that due to its hardened characteristics is called sclerosis. These damaged areas where the sheath has been destroyed and further disrupt the ability of the nerves to pass messages are also called plaques. These plaques can be identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a technique that helps doctors assess and monitor the progression of multiple sclerosis.

T cells from the body's own immune system attack and destroy the myelin sheath.

When the sheath is destroyed, the transmission of nerve impulses is impaired. Messages do not get through quickly and clearly from the brain to the correct body part. The more sheath is destroyed, the slower and less efficient the nerve impulses are. Depending on the severity of the immune system attack, the nerve fibers themselves may be damaged or destroyed. Damage to nerve fibers may play an important role in determining how severe disability in MS may become.

When the brain nerves do not communicate well with nerves from other areas of the central nervous system (brainstem or spinal cord) or cannot relay information to nerves that exit these structures (peripheral nervous system), the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, which vary by stage but may include:

• Fatigue
• Vision problems
• Weakness
• Problems walking
• Dizziness and balance problems
• Problems with libido (sexual drive)
• Pain
• Bowel and bladder problems
• Changes in cognition
• Emotional problems (mood swings, irritability, uncontrollable laughing or crying)