Is Central Pontine Myelinolysis Reversible?

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a rare phenomenon that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Active therapeutic interventions for CPM can have a positive impact on recovery and overall prognosis. This case represents a 34-year-old white man with a chronic history of alcohol abuse who had Parkinsonian symptoms 13 days after rapid correction of his serum sodium in the hospital. Similarly to prior CPM case reports, this patient significantly improved following reinduction of hyponatremia, methylprednisolone, and/or plasmapharesis. This report demonstrates that CPM is potentially reversible when quickly recognized and therapeutic interventions are initiated rapidly.