Central pontine myelinolysis - Treatment

Alternative Names

Osmotic demyelination syndrome

Treatment:

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

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

Calling your health care provider:

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

Central nervous system

Reviewed last on: 8/27/2010
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.

References

Skorecki K, Ausiello D. Disorders of sodium and water homeostasis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 117.

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