Various methods/techniques are used to diagnose<unk> s: * Exclusion of other conditions that have overlapping symptoms * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize internal structures of the body in detail. MRI makes use of the property of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to image nuclei of atoms inside the body. This method is reliable because MRIs assess changes in proton density. "Spots" can occur as a result of changes in brain water content. * Evoked potential is an electrical potential recorded from the nervous system following the presentation of a stimulus as detected by electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), or other electrophysiological recording method. * Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF) can be extremely beneficial in the diagnosis of central nervous system infections. A CSF culture examination may yield the microorganism that caused the infection. * Quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a noninvasive analytical technique that has been used to study metabolic changes in brain tumors, strokes, seizure disorders, Alzheimer's<unk> , depression, and other<unk> s affecting the brain. It has also been used to study the metabolism of other organs such as muscles. * Diagnostic criteria refers to a specific combination of signs, symptoms, and test results that the clinician uses in an attempt to determine the correct diagnosis. * Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) uses a pulse sequence to suppress cerebrospinal fluid and show lesions more clearly, and is used for example in multiple sclerosis evaluation. Types<unk> s can be divided in those affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and those affecting the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They can also be classified by the presence or absence of inflammation. Finally, a division may be made based on the underlying cause of demyelination: the<unk>  process can be<unk>  myelinoclastic, wherein myelin is destroyed; or dysmyelinating leukodystrophic, wherein myelin is abnormal and degenerative. CNS The<unk>  disorders of the central nervous system include: * Myelinoclastic or<unk>  disorders: * Typical forms of multiple sclerosis * Neuromyelitis optica, or Devic's<unk>  * Idiopathic inflammatory<unk> s * Leukodystrophic or dysmyelinating disorders: * CNS neuropathies such as those produced by vitamin B12 deficiency * Central pontine myelinolysis * Myelopathies such as tabes dorsalis (syphilitic myelopathy) * Leukoencephalopathies such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy * Leukodystrophies The myelinoclastic disorders are typically associated with symptoms such as optic neuritis and transverse myelitis, because the<unk>  inflammation can affect the optic nerve or spinal cord. Many are idiopathic. Both myelinoclastic and leukodystrophic modes of<unk>  may result in lesional demyelinations of the central nervous system. PNS Guillain–Barré syndrome – demyelination The<unk> s of the peripheral nervous system include: * Guillain–Barré syndrome and its chronic counterpart, chronic inflammatory<unk>  polyneuropathy * Anti-MAG peripheral neuropathy * Charcot–Marie–Tooth<unk>  and its counterpart Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy * Copper deficiency-associated conditions (peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy, and rarely optic neuropathy) * Progressive inflammatory neuropathy
Demyelinating disease
Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration
Vascular myelopathy
Malignant multiple sclerosis
Hereditary CNS demyelinating disease
CMV polyradiculomyelopathy
Neurolathyrism
Neurocristopathy