Convenient Location

8054 Yonge St. Thornhill. Just south of the intersection of Yonge and HWY 7/407

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Most services are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

Convenient Location

8054 Yonge St. Thornhill. Just south of the intersection of Yonge and HWY 7/407

Patient Referral Form

You need to be referred by your physician. Click to download your form here.

Waiting Time

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OHIP Covered Services

Most services are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

WILDERMAN MEDICAL CLINIC

About Demyelinating Disorder

Demyelinating disorders interfere with the ability of nerve cells to transmit information.

Nerve cells, also known as neurons, are normally surrounded by a protective fatty coating called myelin. Myelin surrounds nerve fibers in both the central and peripheral nervous system and acts much like the coating on an electrical wire.

The myelin sheath both protects the neuron and speeds up the transmission of neural impulses. When the myelin sheath surrounding the neurons is damaged, nerve transmission is compromised. Neurons without myelin can only transmit signals at a speed of one metre per second, compared to the hundred metres per second of healthy myelinated neurons.

In addition to sending slower signals, nerves that have been stripped of their myelin coating may degenerate. This can result in a variety of neurological symptoms, including blurred or double vision, fatigue, clumsiness, numbness, hand paralysis, impaired muscle coordination, weakness, dizziness, loss of sensation, unsteady gait, and pain. Symptoms vary depending on the cause and location of the demyelination.

Diagnosis

There are no physical or diagnostic tests to diagnose dementia specifically, thus geriatric neurologists and geriatric psychiatrists make a diagnosis of dementia based on medical history and examination.

There are three main areas of focus when trying to determine if a patient is suffering from dementia.

The first factor is cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks can cause decreased oxygen flow to the brain and therefore cause nerve damage. This nerve damage can lead to dementia later in life.

The second factor is physical exercise

Elderly who are more physically active show increased oxygen delivery to the brain which can decrease the likelihood of developing dementia.

The third factor is diet

Diets (for example a Mediterranean diet) that are low in red meat and high in whole grains, fish, and healthy fats have been shown to protect the brain and preserve neurological function.

Why do Demyelination disorders occur?

Demyelination disorders are often the result of a pre-existing disorder. Myelin can be damaged as a result of viral infections, inflammation, lack of oxygen supply, metabolic problems, or compression of nerves. Demyelination diseases can often be categorized into one of these groups, which indicates their original cause.

However, not all demyelinating disorders fit neatly into this framework. Many disorders occur as a result of several of these factors, and not all demyelinating disorders have a known cause.

Those of unknown origin are called primary demyelinating disorders. Some primary demyelinating disorders include Optic Neuritis, Acute Transverse Myelitis, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, and Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis.

It is believed that these primary disorders may be triggered through an autoimmune mechanism. However, further research is required before this can be concluded.

Multiple Sclerosis is the most common demyelinating disorder. In Multiple Sclerosis, myelin in the brain and the spinal cord degenerates and is replaced by scar tissue. Multiple Sclerosis has been linked to both inflammatory processes and viral infection. Canada has a higher incidence of Multiple Sclerosis than many other countries, which may be related to its high latitude. Because of the low concentrations of sunlight, Canadians often have low levels of vitamin D, which is thought to reduce inflammation.

The demyelination that occurs in most of these disorders tends to be segmental or patchy and can affect multiple regions either simultaneously or sequentially. Remyelination can often occur, and individuals can experience repair regeneration and complete recovery of neural function. However, if extensive myelin loss takes place, this can trigger axonal and cell body degeneration which are usually irreversible.

Is there a cure available?

No cure currently exists for demyelinating diseases, but some treatments focus on decreasing the body’s immune response. Both physical therapy and medications are often used to manage symptoms.

Vitamin D is also thought to be a possible option for treatment or prevention.

Normal neuron nerve cell and demyelinated neuron in multiple sclerosis

Sources

Pathology of Primary Demyelinating Diseases.” Available on: http://brain101.info/Primary_Demyelinating_Diseases.pdf

Transverse Myelitis.” Available on: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/transverse-myelitis-etiology-clinical-features-and-diagnosis

Demyelination: What Is It and Why Does It Happen?” Available on: https://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/demyelination

Demyelinating Diseases.” Available on: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1860500/

What are the types of demyelinating disease that affect the CNS and what can you do about them?” Available on: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/expert-answers/demyelinating-disease/faq-20058521