Degeneration of nerve tissue in the spinal cord causes ataxia. There is only one umbilical vein in the human umbilical cord. Interneurons connect neurons to other neurons within the brain and spinal cord. The disease primarily affects the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Myelin is an insulating sheath around neurons in the spinal cord. Rostrally to the spinal cord lies the brain. It may present as stroke or spinal cord infarct. The hospital specializes in spinal cord and brain injuries. Others though can cause compression of the spinal cord. Sciatica can be caused by tumors impinging on the spinal cord or the nerve roots. MRI of the entire spinal cord and brain is done. The spinothalamic tract is a sensory pathway originating in the spinal cord. They have connections with the spinal cord and ultimately the brain, however. The symptoms are a result of dysfunction of long axons in the spinal cord. Pneumococcal meningitis is an infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord.