Central pontine myelinolysis

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Central nervous system

Osmotic demyelination syndrome

This is an emergency disorder. You will need to go to a hospital for diagnosis and treatment. However, most people with this condition are already in the hospital for another condition.

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.

The nerve damage caused by central pontine myelinolysis is usually long-lasting. The disorder can cause serious long-term (chronic) disability.

• Decreased ability to interact with others
• Decreased ability to work or care for self
• Inability to move, other than to blink eyes ("locked in" syndrome)
• Permanent nervous system damage

There is no real guideline on when to seek medical attention, because this condition is rare in the general community.

Review Date: 08/27/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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