What Is the Blood-Brain Barrier
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
9. Myelin
As mentioned, the blood-brain barrier can become damaged, and this can cause real problems for the patient. When this happens, molecules that are usually prevented from gaining access to the brain will be able to make it though.
This can directly affect the health of the brain in a number of ways. For example, myelin is a substance that surrounds nerve cells and functions to aid in the transmission of the electric signals/communication. A leaking blood-brain barrier will allow white blood cells into the brain, and these will begin attacking the myelin. This can, in turn, lead to damage to the nerve cells, and this can result in some very unwelcome symptoms for the patient.
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