Central pontine myelinolysis is brain cell dysfunction caused by the destruction of the layer (myelin sheath) covering nerve cells in the brainstem (pons).
Alternative NamesCPM
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe destruction of the myelin sheath that covers nerve cells prevents signals from being properly transmitted in the nerve. This decreases the nerve's ability to communicate with other cells.
The most common cause of central pontine myelinolysis is a quick change in the body's sodium levels. This most often occurs when someone is being treated for low levels of sodium (hyponatremia) and the levels rise too fast. It also can occasionally occur when high levels of sodium in the body (hypernatremia) are corrected too quickly.
This condition does not occur on its own. It is a complication of treatment for other conditions or from the other conditions themselves.
Risks include:
Other possible symptoms include:
Signs and testsAn examination may show:
A head MRI scan would reveal an abnormality in the brainstem (pons). This is the main diagnostic test.
Other tests may include:
This is an emergency disorder. You will need to go to a hospital for diagnosis and treatment.
There is no known cure for central pontine myelinolysis. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms.
Double vision may be reduced with the use of an eye patch.
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.
ComplicationsThere is no real guideline on when to seek medical attention, because this condition is rare in the general community.
PreventionGradual, controlled treatment of low or high sodium levels may reduce the risk of nerve damage in the pons. Being aware of how some medications can change sodium levels can prevent these levels from changing too quickly.
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∙ 13y agoWiki User
∙ 12y agoCentral pontine myelinolysis is brain cell dysfunction caused by the destruction of the layer (myelin sheath) covering nerve cells in the brainstem (pons).
Alternative NamesOsmotic demyelination syndrome
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe destruction of the myelin sheath that covers nerve cells prevents signals from being properly transmitted in the nerve. This decreases the nerve's ability to communicate with other cells.
The most common cause of central pontine myelinolysis is a quick rise in the body's sodium levels. This most often occurs when someone is being treated for low blood levels of sodium (hyponatremia) and the levels rise too fast. It also can occasionally occur when high levels of sodium in the body (hypernatremia) are corrected too quickly.
This condition does not occur on its own. It is a complication of treatment for other conditions or from the other conditions themselves.
Risks include:
An examination may show:
A head MRI scan may reveal a problem in the brainstem (pons). This is the main diagnostic test.
Other tests may include:
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.
ComplicationsThere is no real guideline on when to seek medical attention, because this condition is rare in the general community.
PreventionGradual, controlled treatment of low sodium levels may reduce the risk of nerve damage in the pons. Being aware of how some medications can change sodium levels can prevent these levels from changing too quickly.
ReferencesSkorecki 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.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/27/2010
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.
Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a demyelinating disorder that affects the central part of the brainstem, called the pons. It is often caused by a rapid shift in serum sodium levels, leading to damage of the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers. This condition can result in a variety of neurological symptoms, including muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, and impaired coordination.
Hypertonic saline solution is given slowly to a patient that is hyponaetremic because it raises their sodium levels. Raising the sodium levels too quickly could cause central pontine myelinolysis.
Pontine Paus was born in 1973.
idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating diseases Vitamin B12 deficiency Central pontine myelinolysis Tabes Dorsalis transverse myelitis Devic's disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy Optic neuritis Leukodystrophies A demyelinating disease is any disease of the nervous system in which the myelin sheath of neurons is damaged. Demyelinating describes the effect of the disease, rather than its cause; some demyelinating diseases are caused by genetics, some by infectious agents, some by autoimmune reactions, and some by unknown factors.
pontine hemorrhage
The term "pontine" typically refers to structures or functions related to the pons, which is a region in the brainstem involved in various important functions like regulating sleep, breathing, and communication between different parts of the brain. In medical contexts, "pontine" may also refer to pathologies or conditions that affect the pons.
The correct answer is pontine.
pneumotaxic pontine respirator group (PRG)
A pontine, or brain stem hemorrhage, produces a pinpoint pupil because the fibers in the brain are unaffected. Therefore, dilation is interrupted, causing the pinpoint, but eyes can look relatively normal.
usually patient will be presented with pin point pupils
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The pontine respiratory centers influence and modify the activity of the medullary neurons. The pontine respiratory group, formerly called the pneumotaxic center qand other centers transmit impulses to the vrg of the medulla. this input modifies and fine tunes the breathing rhythms generated by the vrg durng certain activities such as vocalizationm sleep,and exercise. as you would expect from these functins, the pontine respratory centers, like the drg, receive input from higher brain centers and from various sensory receptors in the periphery.