How is central pontine myelinolysis diagnosed?
How is central pontine myelinolysis diagnosed?
The best way to diagnose central pontine myelinolysis is with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will look for particular changes in the images of your brain that indicate damage to your myelin sheaths.
Is osmotic demyelination syndrome same as central pontine myelinolysis?
The neurologic manifestations associated with overly rapid correction have been called the osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS; formerly called central pontine myelinolysis or CPM). As will be described below, almost all patients who develop ODS present with a serum sodium concentration of 120 mEq/L or less.
What are symptoms of osmotic demyelination syndrome?
Symptoms of osmotic demyelination (eg, dysarthria, dysphagia, seizures, altered mental status, quadriparesis, hypotension) typically begin 1-5 days after correction of serum sodium level. The condition is typically irreversible and often devastating.
What happens in central pontine myelinolysis?
In central pontine myelinolysis (CPM), damage to the myelin sheath — the protective covering around nerve cells— happens and can lead to the injury and death of nerve cells in the pons. This damage most commonly occurs when your sodium levels rise too quickly, usually as a result of being treated for low sodium levels.
How do you diagnose osmotic demyelination syndrome?
A head MRI scan may reveal a problem in the brainstem (pons) or other parts of the brain. This is the main diagnostic test. Other tests may include: Blood sodium level and other blood tests.
How is osmotic demyelination syndrome diagnosed?
How common is central pontine myelinolysis?
The exact incidence of central pontine myelinolysis is unknown. A study by Singh et al demonstrated that central pontine myelinolysis was present in 29% of postmortem examinations of liver transplant patients. Two thirds of these patients had serum sodium fluctuations of only ± 15-20 mEq/L.
Why does central pontine myelinolysis occur?
What causes central pontine myelinolysis? The most frequent cause of central pontine myelinolysis is a rapid increase in sodium levels. This can happen during treatment to correct low sodium levels (hyponatremia). Sodium is an important electrolyte in your body and helps maintain fluid balance in your cells.
How do you treat central pontine myelinolysis?
There is no known cure for central pontine myelinolysis. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms. Physical therapy may help maintain muscle strength, mobility, and function in weakened arms and legs.