ELUCIDATION OF OSMOTIC DEMYELINATING SYNDROME DUE TO HYPONATREMIA

Osmotic demyelinating syndrome is a non-inflammatory demyelinating disease that commonly involves basal region of central pons and other areas of brain including basal ganglia, thalamus, lateral geniculate bodies. It has no incidence of occurrence and which were diagnosed mostly through autopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. It occurs mainly due to the chronic alcohol intake, electrolyte imbalances, drug induced hyponatremia, etc. The most common cause of osmotic demyelinating syndrome is hyponatremia in clinical settings. The pathophysiology of Osmotic demyelinating syndrome is unknown and hypothesis is the acute and chronic hyponatremia which may disrupt the astrocytes of the basal ganglia. The rapid and slow correction or excessive correction of hyponatremia leads to osmotic demyelinating syndrome. The immediate treatment is required for improving patient’s health condition and better outcomes. The neurological symptoms may result as a consequence of osmotic demyelinating syndrome and supportive and nutritional therapy is required for the treatment. The article discusses about the relation between hyponatremia and osmotic demyelinating syndrome in different hospital settings through case studies.

Key words: Osmotic demyelinating syndrome, hyponatremia, basal ganglia, sodium, electrolyte imbalances.