Ataxic Form of Central Pontine Myelinolysis Developed during Alcohol Withdrawal in a Chronic Alcoholic.
- Author:
Dae seop SHIN
1
;
Dushin JEONG
;
Kwang Ik YANG
;
Hyung Kook PARK
;
Hyung Geun OH
Author Information
1. Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. oh906@schmc.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Ataxia;
Central pontine myelinolysis;
Alcoholics
- MeSH:
Alcoholics*;
Alcoholism;
Ataxia;
Causality;
Demyelinating Diseases;
Diagnosis, Differential;
Dysarthria;
Gait Ataxia;
Humans;
Hyponatremia;
Middle Aged;
Myelinolysis, Central Pontine*;
Tremor
- From:Soonchunhyang Medical Science
2016;22(2):218-221
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is well-recognized osmotic demyelination syndrome that is related to various conditions such as rapid correction of hyponatremia and chronic alcoholism. Acute ataxia as a sole clinical sign in CPM is rare. We report a case of a 59-year-old man with dysarthria, intention tremor, and a significant gait ataxia starting after alcohol withdrawal, with radiological evidence of CPM. CPM should be included in the differential diagnosis of alcoholic patients who develop a sudden ataxia. Chronic alcohol abuse is one of the most commonly encountered predisposing factors. Alcohol withdrawal represents an additional vulnerability factor, being responsible for electrolyte imbalances which are not always demonstrable but are certainly involved in the development of CPM.
