What is ischemic demyelination in brain?

Swanson, M.D. A demyelinating disease is any condition that results in damage to the protective covering (myelin sheath) that surrounds nerve fibers in your brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve impulses slow or even stop, causing neurological problems.

What causes ischemic demyelination?

Hypoxic-ischemic demyelination occurs due to vascular disease or a lack of oxygen in the brain.

What does ischemic changes in white matter mean?

Overview. Microvascular ischemic disease is a term that’s used to describe changes to the small blood vessels in the brain. Changes to these vessels can damage white matter — the brain tissue that contains nerve fibers and serves as the connection point to other parts of the brain.

Is brain ischemia serious?

Cerebrovascular Diseases and Stroke Cerebral ischemia or brain ischemia, is a condition that occurs when there isn’t enough blood flow to the brain to meet metabolic demand. This leads to limited oxygen supply or cerebral hypoxia and leads to the death of brain tissue, cerebral infarction, or ischemic stroke.

How serious is demyelinating disease?

Some demyelinating diseases are very serious and can progress rapidly or be potentially fatal. Others may occur as one episode with no lasting damage. What autoimmune diseases cause demyelination? Any autoimmune disease that attacks the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves can cause demyelination.

What causes ischemic changes in white matter of brain?

Microvascular ischemic brain disease describes conditions that affect the small blood vessels in the brain. These conditions include stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, and dementia. Age, high blood pressure, and diabetes are among the primary risk factors for microvascular ischemic brain disease.

What are the symptoms of ischemia in the brain?

The symptoms of cerebral ischemia include:

  • weakness in one arm or leg.
  • weakness in one entire side of the body.
  • dizziness, vertigo, double vision.
  • weakness on both sides of the body.
  • difficulty speaking.
  • slurred speech.
  • loss of coordination.