Myelin damage is a condition that occurs when there is a disruption to the protective sheath that surrounds nerve fibers in the central nervous system. There are various synonyms for this term, including demyelination or the loss of myelin, which can occur as a result of illnesses such as multiple sclerosis. Another synonym for myelin damage is white matter damage, as myelin is the white fatty substance that surrounds the axons or nerve fibers. Other related terms include axonopathy, which refers to damage to the axon itself, and neurodegeneration, which is the progressive loss of nerve cells and their connections. Regardless of the term used, myelin damage can have significant impacts on an individual's neurology and overall health.