White matter Disorders

White matter consists of nerve fibers which carry information between the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and Myelin which is a fatty sheath covering the nerve fibers. When white matter does not develop the way it should, or is damaged, brain function is hampered or lost. This group consists of many different diseases which all have different consequences. Depending on the cause and extent of white matter involvement, some may be progressive with increasing neurological disabilities and others are not. Diagnosis is made based on MRI. Most common diseases due to white matter malfunction include inherited disorders like leukodystrophies.