This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Abstract
Axonal loss is a major component of the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the morphological basis of permanent clinical disability. It occurs in demyelinating plaques but also in the so-called normal-appearing white matter (NAWM).
However, the contribution of Wallerian degeneration to axonal pathology is not known. ... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1398

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The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre

Squiffy's House of Fun - Laughter for Multiple Sclerosis

Until recently, Wallerian Degeneration was thought to be rare in MS. This is important new information.

Wallerian Degeneration is a common and well-known process that occurs when a nerve fiber is damaged. We see this process in ischemic stroke, vasculitis and many neurodegenerative diseases. First, the axons die due to injury (loss of oxygen, iron deposition or injury.) Next, the myelin is "cleaned up." Then the oligodendrocytes die.
The oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system need axonal signals to survive. When the nerves cease to function, the oligos die. Cleaning up the myelin debris is a natural part of the process of Wallerian Degeneration.

The doctors studying CCSVI are now discussing Wallerian Degeneration as the potential method of injury to axons, and the reason why progressive MS is not as responsive to treatment. Wallerian degeneration can continue for years after the initial injury.

Here is the complete abstract of the study Squiffy linked:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20477831

Here is a study from 2007 discussing demyelination in relationship to Wallerian degeneration:
http://ajp.amjpathol.org/cgi/content/full/171/5/1563

I see it as yet another link to ischemic injury and stroke, and another blow to the theory that MS is immune activated--but that's my opinion-
cheer

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Husband dx RRMS 3/07
dx dual jugular vein stenosis (CCSVI) 4/09
dual stents placed 5/09
CCSVI in MS

Forgive me for asking the one question that some of us may be thinking: can this wallerian degeneration be fixed?

I can normally be smart enough to look through information and come to a conclusion, but this MS is such a horror in my life that it stops me from thinking clearly:-(

Daisy--
I'm sorry MS is making it so hard to think clearly...believe me, I understand, after watching my husband struggle.

The first step to repair is to stop whatever is creating the injury. In stroke patients, that might mean removing clots and thinning the blood to allow for oxygenation. In MS, the mechanism of injury needs to be defined. The current theory is that it is the immune system. Some believe it is venous insufficiency from CCSVI.

The body has an amazing capacity to heal, and physical therapy can utilize the plasticity of the brain to reroute around damaged areas. Many doctors are studying nerve regeneration and looking at therapeutic answers. Stem cells may come into play. But no easy answers today-
take care,
cheer

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Husband dx RRMS 3/07
dx dual jugular vein stenosis (CCSVI) 4/09
dual stents placed 5/09
CCSVI in MS

Thanks for that cheer,

I hope the damn disease stops being so mysterious and the doctors stop being so egotistical, maybe then we could get to a viable treatment option quicker. A treatment we know works and we know why it works...