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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 ...
Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. This condition often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It also can affect other areas and body functions including digestion and urination. The peripheral nervous system sends ...
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 ...
Optic neuritis usually affects one eye. Symptoms might include: Pain. Most people who develop optic neuritis have eye pain that's worsened by eye movement. Sometimes the pain feels like a dull ache behind the eye. Vision loss in one eye. Most people have at least some temporary reduction in vision, but the extent of loss varies.
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.
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.
To help you manage peripheral neuropathy: Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Check daily for blisters, cuts or calluses. Wear soft, loose cotton socks and padded shoes. You can use a semicircular hoop, which is available in medical supply stores, to keep bedcovers off hot or sensitive feet.
This is sometimes the first sign of the disease. Hands or feet. Some types of vasculitis can cause numbness or weakness in a hand or foot. The palms of the hands and soles of the feet might swell or harden. Lungs. You may develop shortness of breath or even cough up blood if vasculitis affects your lungs. Skin.
It also may cause muscle weakness or loss of muscle control. Long-term hypothyroidism that's not treated can cause peripheral neuropathy. The link between hypothyroidism and peripheral neuropathy isn't fully understood, but hypothyroidism can cause fluid retention that leads to swollen tissues. This can put pressure on peripheral nerves.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves. Multiple sclerosis can cause numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms. It's also known as MS. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers, known as myelin.