Central Pontine Myelinolysis Presenting With Cerebellar Ataxia

ABSTRACT

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a neurologic disorder that is usually related to rapid correction of hyponatremia and chronic alcoholism. CPM involves concentrated, symmetric, noninflammatory demyelination within the central pons; this pathology also occurs in extrapontine regions. Frequently observed clinical manifestations are sudden weakness, dysphagia, dysarthria, loss of consciousness, and locked-in syndrome. We describe herein a case of CPM predominated by cerebellar signs without typical symptoms, but with involvement of the cerebellum or cerebellar peduncle.