An early case of a natural barrier to axonal degeneration

Excerpt

Dear Sirs, axonal transection has been described as the driving force for neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis [1]. The seminal histological observation has since been confirmed independently with aid of many structural and functional techniques [2]. Importantly, the process of neurodegeneration can be transmitted trans-synaptically in multiple sclerosis and stroke amongst others [3, 4]. The end result of this process is optic nerve atrophy. Every physician will have to acquire, during medical training, the bedside skills to recognise a “pale disc” as the potential harbinger of potentially life threatening pathology. This skill has remained with our profession ever since the invention of the ophthalmoscope. …