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A demyelinating disease is any condition that causes damage to the protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers. This covering is called the myelin sheath. In the central nervous system, the myelin sheath protects nerves in the brain, spinal cord and nerves leading to the eyes, known as optic nerves. When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve ...
Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis. Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis. In its most serious form, Guillain-Barre syndrome ...
Transverse myelitis interrupts the messages that the spinal cord nerves send throughout the body. This can cause pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, sensory problems, or bladder and bowel dysfunction. There are many different causes of transverse myelitis, including infections and immune system disorders that attack the body's tissues.
People with multiple sclerosis may also develop: Muscle stiffness or spasms. Severe weakness or paralysis, typically in the legs. Problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function. Cognitive problems, like forgetfulness or word finding difficulties. Mood problems, such as depression, anxiety or mood swings.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a-my-o-TROE-fik LAT-ur-ul skluh-ROE-sis), known as ALS, is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes loss of muscle control. The disease gets worse over time. ALS is often called Lou Gehrig's disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it.
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Shingles can occur anywhere on your body. It typically looks like a single stripe of blisters that wraps around the left side or the right side of your torso. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the ...
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a change in the gene that tells the body to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich compound in red blood cells that allows these cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The hemoglobin associated with sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become rigid, sticky and misshapen.
Multiple system atrophy, also called MSA, causes people to lose coordination and balance or become slow and stiff. It also causes changes in speech and loss of control of other bodily functions. MSA is a rare condition. It sometimes shares symptoms with Parkinson's disease, including slow movement, rigid muscles and poor balance.
Neuromyelitis optica can cause blindness in one or both eyes, weakness or paralysis in the legs or arms, and painful spasms. It also can cause loss of sensation, uncontrollable vomiting and hiccups, and bladder or bowel problems from spinal cord damage. Children can have confusion, seizures or comas. Relapses are common.
This most serious form of the disease is rare. The disease begins much like nonparalytic polio. But it progresses to more-severe signs and symptoms, including: Intense pain. Extreme sensitivity to touch. Tingling or pricking sensations. Muscles spasms or twitching. Muscles weakness progressing to a limp paralysis.