Problems with the central nervous system can be disabling since they influence our movements and our sensory processes. Neuropathy is a scientific word that refers to any disorder.
That affects the neurons these given neuropathies are nerve disorders. People may mix them up with one another.
However, they are not the same thing and have some points of difference between them.
Key Takeaways
- Axonal neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy caused by damage to the nerve cell body or axon.
- Demyelinating neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy caused by damage to the myelin sheath that covers the axon.
- While both types of neuropathy can cause similar symptoms, they have different underlying causes and treatment approaches.
Axonal Neuropathy vs Demyelinating Neuropathy
The difference between Axonal Neuropathy and Demyelinating Neuropathy is that Axonal neuropathy is a neurological condition characterized by the loss and disintegration of axons, whilst Demyelinating neuropathy is characterized by the breakdown of the insulation called myelin (a fatty layer of an insulating substance that surrounds the axons of nerve cells). Any auto-immune disorder in which auto-antibodies assault the covering of motor neurons without generating swelling or myelin breakdown is the main reason for axonal injury. Demyelinating ailments, on the other hand, are commonly caused by hereditary factors, viral factors, and autoimmune responses.
Harm to a specific section of the peripheral nerves termed axons, which are the projections of neurons that carry nerve signals, causes axonal neuropathy. Defining aspect of this disorder.
Sensory, motor and autonomic fibres are all affected, and the condition is deadly. Axonal neuropathy can be managed with intravenous immunoglobulins or plasmapheresis.
The nature of the damage and the accompanying symptoms primarily determines treatment. Demyelinating neuropathies have a wide range of clinical manifestations.
They can have a hereditary or acquired origin, an acute or chronic time point, and a multicenter or widespread dispersion. They can have phenotypes ranging from an indolent illness.
That starts in childhood and develops gradually over time (as in a hereditary form) to neuropathy with a severe clinical onset and rapid advancement that leads to tetraparesis and respiratory arrest.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Axonal Neuropathy | Demyelinating Neuropathy |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It is a neurological condition characterized by the loss and disintegration of axons. | Characterized by the breakdown of the insulation called myelin. |
| Cause | Any auto-immune disorder in which auto-antibodies assault the covering of motor neurons without generating swelling of myelin breakdown. | It happens due to hereditary factors, viral factors, and autoimmune responses. |
| Impulse Conduction Velocity | Hindrance of impulse transmission velocity at distal sites only. | Hindrance of impulse transmission velocity at both proximal and distal sites. |
| Loss of Reflexes | Sensitivity declines in muscles that aren’t exceptionally weak or wasteful. | In the context of wasting and frailty of the foot, there is a specific impairment of the ankle shock reflex. |
| General Point | It causes a paralytic feeling in the limbs. | It causes muscle weariness and weakness. |
What is Axonal Neuropathy?
Axonal neuropathy is a neurological condition characterized by the loss and disintegration of axons. Every auto-immune disorder in which auto-antibodies affect the covering of motor neurons.
Without generating swelling or myelin breakdown is the major cause of axonal injury. The sensory nerves are unaffected, but the motor nerves are.
Motor nerves, such as reflexes, are responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the body. Axonal neuropathy is present as a type of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in the diagnosis of severe illnesses.
It is present in persistent disorders such as diabetes and leprosy. And other diseases when both motor and sensory nerves are affected as the disease advances.
Muscular motions are altered medically in axonal neuropathy. Tingling, stiffness, and a quivering feeling have been reported.
Temperature sensibility may be lost in the affected region. There is sensory impairment but no loss of reflexes.
Axonal neuropathy causes a paralytic sensation in the appendages. More likely to cause partial impairment of the ankle shock sensation in the context of wasting and weakening of the foot.
The impulse conduction velocity reported from distal muscles like the foot and ankle is lower in patients with axonal neuropathies. It is reasonably normal for intermediate regions like the forearms.
What is Demyelinating Neuropathy?
Demyelinating neuropathy is characterized by the breakdown of the insulation called myelin. A fatty layer of an insulating substance surrounds the axons of nerve cells.
Genetic origins, infectious agents, and immunological responses are the most major culprits of demyelinating diseases. Antibodies progressively damage the myelin that covers the axons.
Because this myelin layer is required for quicker signal transduction, impulse communication is either exceedingly slow or lost once myelin is eliminated. This condition damages sensory neurons.
Not only that, but also, motor neurons can suffer damage due to this neuropathy. It has been proven that if demyelinating disorders are not managed promptly, the axons will be damaged as well.
Muscle weakness and weariness are common symptoms of demyelinating neuropathy. There is also fuzzy vision, split vision, mobility difficulties, and muscular loss of coordination.
Moving and balancing become problematic in terms. Urinary and faecal incontinence are both present.
A common symptom of demyelination is the loss of responses in muscles that aren’t especially weak or wasted. Results in the hindrance of impulse transmission velocity at both proximal and distal sites.
Demyelinating neuropathies can have phenotypes ranging from an indolent illness that starts in childhood. And develop gradually over time (as in a hereditary form) to neuropathy.
With a severe clinical onset and rapid advancement that leads to tetraparesis and respiratory arrest.
Main Differences Between Axonal Neuropathy and Demyelinating Neuropathy
- Axonal Neuropathy is a neurological condition characterized by the loss and disintegration of axons, while Demyelinated neuropathy is characterized by the breakdown of the insulation called myelin.
- Axonal neuropathy is caused by an auto-immune disorder in which auto-antibodies assault the covering of motor neurons without generating swelling of myelin breakdown. On the other hand, Demyelinated neuropathy is caused by hereditary factors, viral factors, and autoimmune responses.
- Hindrance of impulse transmission velocity at distal sites only occurs in axonal neuropathy, whereas hindrance of impulse transmission velocity at both proximal and distal sites occurs in Demyelinated neuropathy.
- Axonal Neuropathy causes sensitivity declines in muscles that aren’t exceptionally weak or wasteful. In Demyelinated neuropathy, in the context of wasting and frailty of the foot, there is a specific impairment of the ankle shock reflex.
- Axonal neuropathy causes a paralytic feeling in limbs, unlike Demyelinated neuropathy, which Causes muscle tiredness and weakness.
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/781940
- https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/63/2/163.short
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
I’m grateful for the clear and concise information outlined in this article. The impact of axonal and demyelinating neuropathy has been so thoroughly explained. Such an enlightening read!
Thank you for this comprehensive overview of axonal and demyelinating neuropathy. Understanding the difference in underlying causes and symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The comparison table is really helpful in visualizing the differences between axonal and demyelinating neuropathy. This article provides valuable information for anyone dealing with neuropathy.
The detailed overview of axonal and demyelinating neuropathy provided in this article is incredibly beneficial. The explanation of main differences is particularly illuminating.
This article has described the complexities of axonal and demyelinating neuropathy in a way that makes it accessible to a wider audience. The difference in impulse conduction velocity and loss of reflexes is fascinating.
I found the comparison between axonal and demyelinating neuropathy very insightful as well. It really emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction for appropriate treatment.
I agree, the detailed explanations in this article make the scientific concepts behind axonal and demyelinating neuropathy easier to comprehend.
The in-depth analysis of axonal and demyelinating neuropathy is very informative. It’s wonderful to see such a clear and comprehensive guide available.
The breakdown of the differences between axonal and demyelinating neuropathy is exceptional. It provides clarity to a topic that can be quite perplexing for some individuals.
Absolutely, I appreciate how this article lays out the causes, symptoms, and implications of both types of neuropathy. The comparison table is particularly useful.
This article serves as an excellent resource for understanding the key differences and clinical implications of axonal and demyelinating neuropathy. A very well-written and insightful piece.