The Myelin Sheath is a protective membrane that wraps around part of certain nerve cells, affecting how fast signals travel through nerve cells. It's the reason I have pain in my jaw and teeth.
Several diseases and conditions can damage or destroy Myelin, including stroke victims, poisons, Vitamin B12 deficiency, infections, immune and metabolic disorders, excess alcohol intake and certain drugs, including ethambutol and Multiple Sclerosis, being the most well known. A few inherited not very well-known diseases include Gaucher disease, Tay Sachs disease and Niemann-Pick disease. (Source: my.clevelandclinic.org)
How has the issue with the Myelin Sheath been brought about?
In my case, it has been brought about through a stroke I had at birth, which resulted in cerebral palsy. I also have a Vitamin B12 deficiency and struggle with immunity problems, which I continue to deal with.
What does the Myelin Sheath do?
The Myelin Sheath has three functions: it provides protective insulation for your nerve cell, like the insulation covering electrical wires, it allows the electrical impulses to travel quickly between one nerve cell and the next and it maintains the strength of the impulse message as it travels.
What are the gaps in the Myelin Sheath?
The myelin sheath isn’t one solid covering. It’s a line of separate sections of myelin, each separated from the next by a tiny gap. Each section of myelin is called an internode. The gaps are rich in positive sodium ions and as the electrical signal or impulse travels along it jumps from one section of sheath to the next. When passing over the gap, the sodium ions recharge the electrical signal so it can continue in its travel without losing its charge or reducing its signal strength.
What happens when the Myelin Sheath is damaged?
About 100 billion nerve cells are in constant activity, sending and receiving messages that control every aspect of your body’s functioning. When your myelin sheath is damaged, the electrical signal is slowed down or stopped altogether.
My own experiences
In my earlier blog talking about the condition diagnosed by my Dental Practitioner, I talked about my difficulties with the condition and how it is blighting my life. I’ve had sharp stabbing and throbbing pain in my jaw, teeth, and face for two and a half months now, followed by neuralgia. Since taking Myelin Sheath, which job is to repair the nerve, the pain I have is reduced to a dull ache on my cerebral palsy side, which although not ideal, makes life a little more bearable.
It would be great to hear from anyone with similar stories to mine, around jaw and facial pain... problems with the Myelin Sheath.
Sources: myclevelandclinicorg
I hadn't heard about this before reading your blog. Reading this, makes me think it was only a matter of time as you aged, for this issue to affect you because of the stroke you had leading to your cerebral palsy.
I wonder how many with the same condition as you are facing the same issue as you and don't understand their pain.
I am really pleased the supplements you're taking are helping. Keep throwing everything at it, so you can maintain the best quality of life you can.
Initially, every day was a struggle day, but I am doing slightly better with the supplements. If I can repair the Myelin Sheaf I have a chance of a better quality of life.
Currently, I'm throwing everything at it.