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Central Pontine Myelinolysis
Alternate Names : CPM
DefinitionCentral pontine myelinolysis is a condition characterized by nerve damage caused by the destruction of the covering layer (myelin sheath) of nerve cells in the brainstem (pons).
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The destruction of the myelin sheath that coats nerves inhibits impulse conduction within the cell and thus decreases its ability to communicate with other cells. The most common cause of central pontine myelinolysis is a rapid, drastic change in sodium levels in the body. Most commonly, this occurs when someone is being treated for low levels of sodium (hyponatremia) and the levels rise too fast, but it can occasionally occur when high levels of sodium in the body (hypernatremia) are corrected too quickly.
This condition does not occur spontaneously; it is a complication of either treatment for other conditions or the other conditions themselves.
Risks include hyponatremia from any cause. Alcoholism, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and general ill health and malnutrition associated with serious illnesses (cachexia) increase the risk of central pontine myelinolysis.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Alcoholism
• Cranial Mononeuropathy VI
• Delirium
• Dilutional Hyponatremia (SIADH)
• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Tests & Exams
• BAER - Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response
• MRI of the Head
• Nerve Biopsy
• Nerve Conduction Velocity
Other Topics
• Chronic
• Confusion
• Consciousness - Decreased
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Eye Movements - Uncontrollable
• Eyes/Pupils Different Size
• Fatigue
• Hand Tremor
• Muscle Cramps
• Muscle Function Loss
• Myelin
• Seizures
• Swallowing Difficulty
• Vision Problems
• Weakness
Review Date : 7/28/2002
Reviewed By : Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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