Pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis following rapid correction of hyponatraemia

Abstract

Central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis is caused by the rapid correction of hyponatraemia. Acceptance of this concept has been impeded by recent reports attributing myelinolysis to uncorrected hyponatraemia, overcorrection of hyponatraemia, or hypoxia. Several new names have been proposed for this disease, but all are less specific than pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis. This proliferation of terminology is unnecessary and adds to the confusion surrounding the aetiology of myelinolysis.