What does central pontine myelinolysis cause?
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.
What are the symptoms of Pontine Myelinolysis?
Symptoms
- Confusion, delirium, hallucinations.
- Balance problems, tremor.
- Problem swallowing.
- Reduced alertness, drowsiness or sleepiness, lethargy, poor responses.
- Slurred speech.
- Weakness in the face, arms, or legs, usually affecting both sides of the body.
What can happen to the brain if the sodium is corrected too quickly?
Too-rapid correction of sodium can cause osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS), a form of brain damage.
What is a pontine?
Listen to pronunciation. (PON-teen) Having to do with the pons (part of the central nervous system, located at the base of the brain, between the medulla oblongata and the midbrain).
How can central pontine myelinolysis be prevented?
Explain the prevention of central pontine myelinolysis by adjusting the rate at which sodium should be corrected. The current recommendations are a range from 8-12 mEq/L per 24 hours.
Who would benefit from rapid correction of hyponatremia?
Acute hyponatremia often presents with seizures and coma, which are thought to reflect cerebral edema. A handful of published cases of patients provide data for the first few hours after successful treatment; they suggest that rapid correction by 4–6 mEq/L is enough to stop hyponatremic seizures (5).
What is the role of pons in brain?
The pons, while involved in the regulation of functions carried out by the cranial nerves it houses, works together with the medulla oblongata to serve an especially critical role in generating the respiratory rhythm of breathing. Active functioning of the pons may also be fundamental to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.