Multiple Sclerosis & Brain Cells: Understanding the Impact on Oligodendrocytes

Multiple sclerosis affects oligodendrocytes.

Oligodendrocytes are cells in the central nervous system that wrap around the axons of neurons, forming a myelin sheath. This myelin sheath insulates the neuron and allows electrical signals to be transmitted quickly and efficiently. Multiple sclerosis is characterized by the damage and destruction of oligodendrocytes and their myelin sheaths, which results in a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, vision problems, and cognitive difficulties.