Central Pontine Myelinolysis: A Case Report of Persistent Hyperglycemia With Normal Serum Sodium

Rapid correction of hyponatremia is the most frequent predisposing factor for the development of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM). Alcoholism, cirrhosis, malnutrition, and severe burns are associated conditions that often present in combination with a rapid rise in serum sodium concentration. However, its association with hyperglycemia has not been as well established. There have been recent reports of acute to subacute presentation of CPM with hyperglycemia. We report an unusual case of a 48-year-old Caucasian male who presented with pseudobulbar palsy, ataxia, and quadriplegia with worsening pontine hyperintensities and was diagnosed with CPM in the setting of persistent hyperglycemia with normal serum sodium.