Leukodystrophy Causes & Risks

Causes

Leukodystrophy is caused by genetic defects that lead to imperfect growth or development of the myelin sheath that covers the axon. (An axon is a part of the nerve cell.) Each type of leukodystrophy is the result of a certain genetic defect that controls one of the chemicals that make up myelin. Most leukodystrophies are inherited, or passed from parent to child. Others may arise spontaneously.

Risk Factors

The following factor is thought to increase the risk of leukodystrophy:

• Family history of the disease