Central pontine myelinolysis

Definition:

A condition characterized by neurologic damage caused by the destruction of the covering layer (myelin sheath) of nerve cells in the brainstem (pons).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The destruction of the myelin sheath inhibits impulse conduction along the nerve cell. The most common cause of this condition is rapid correction of low sodium levels in the body (hyponatremia).

Risks include hyponatremia from any cause. Alcoholism, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and general ill health and malnutrition associated with serious illnesses (cachexia) increase the risk of central pontine myelinolysis. This condition does not occur spontaneously but results from other conditions that cause the damage.