Demyelination is a group of diseases in which the loss of previously formed myelin sheaths and the relative preservation of the axon are the basic lesions, and is not a rare disease.
Demyelination is categorized into primary demyelinating diseases, myelin dystrophies, and secondary demyelinating diseases.
Primary demyelinating diseases are most commonly seen in acute disseminated cerebrospinal meningitis, multiple sclerosis, and optic neuromyelitis optica. Myelin dystrophic diseases, mostly associated with genetic metabolic disorders, include heterozygous leukoencephalopathy and adrenoleukodystrophy.
Secondary demyelinating diseases, usually caused by infection and hypoxia, such as pontine central myelinolysis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
Patients presenting with demyelination are advised to seek prompt medical attention and active treatment under the guidance of a specialist.