Central pontine myelinolysis is a neurologic disease caused by severe damage of the myelin sheath of nerve cells in the brainstem, more precisely in the area termed the pons. The most common cause is the rapid correction of low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia). Some scholars postulate that the real cause might be the lack of a substance that is essential for brain activity and is lacking due to malnutrition. The fact that this condition is most frequently observed in patients with general ill health (alcoholism, cachexia etc.) is in accordance with this assumption. Imaging by MRI demonstrates an area of high signal return on T2 weighted images. Frequently observed symptoms in this disorder are weakness, double vision and loss of consciousness.

References

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• Adams RA, Victor M, Mancall EL. Central pontine myelinolysis: a hitherto undescribed disease occurring in alcoholics and malnourished patients. Arch Neurol Psychiatry. 1959;81:154–72. PMID 13616772

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Central pontine myelinolysis is the highlight of my week. Now, this is kind of sad and really pathetic.
melluci (Michael) Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:34:12 -0000
Central pontine myelinolysis is the highlight of my week. Now, this is kind of sad and really pathetic.

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