National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Central pontine myelinolysis

Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
CPM
Categories:
Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a neurological disorder that most frequently occurs when sodium deficiency is treated too rapidly.  The part of the brain called the pons is especially sensitive and too much sodium can damage nerve fibers.  Initial signs and symptoms appear within two to three days and include a depressed level of awareness, difficulty speaking, and difficulty swallowing.  Additional symptoms often occur in the next one to two weeks, including impaired thinking, weakness or paralysis in the arms and legs, stiffness, impaired sensation, and difficulty with coordination.  Severe CPM can lead to coma, “locked-in” syndrome, and death.[1] Treatment is focused on safely restoring sodium levels and relieving symptoms.[1] Many affected people improve over weeks to months; however, some have permanent disability or develop new symptoms later on including behavioral or intellectual impairment or movement disorders like parkinsonism or tremor.[1]
Last updated: 7/21/2011

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  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.

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Selected Full-Text Journal Articles

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  1. Central Pontine Myelinolysis Information Page. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. September 22, 2010; http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/central_pontine/central_pontine_myelinolysis.htm. Accessed 9/22/2010.