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Central Pontine Myelinolysis

Medical Information Provided By: Dr. Krista Kurtyan, M.D.
Legal Information Provided By: Hartley Hampton, J.D. and Christopher King, J.D.

South Texas Medical Malpractice Attorney

Central Pontine Myelinolysis (CPM) is a serious medical condition associated with complications due to hyponatremia. Patients suffering from hyponatremia have an electrolyte imbalance resulting in an abnormally low sodium level. Although hyponatremia can be treated effectively if diagnosed early, if left undiagnosed, osmotic myelinolysis can occur—the demyelination of nerve fibers in the brain.

In most cases, CPM results when doctors apply treatment too rapidly by giving patients fluids higher in salt to correct their electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia). Because CPM usually occurs as a complication associated with treatment for other conditions, it’s often caused by negligence. At Hampton & King, we work with medical experts to identify failures in diagnosing and treating hyponatremia according to standard treatment protocols.

If you or a family member has suffered brain damage, serious injury, or death due to central pontine myelinolysis, contact our Houston medical malpractice lawyers.

What Is Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome?

Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is also referred to as central pontine myelinolysis (CPM). While they are very similar conditions, ODS is slightly different. It is a neurological disease that is caused when severe damage occurs to the myelin sheath of nerve cells located in the brainstem. Typically, the damage happens in the area of the brain known as the pons (CPM), however, it can also occur outside of the pons in ODS.

The condition can develop in patients who have suffered serious hyponatremia or conditions that result in decreased liver function.

Complications Associated with Central Pontine Myelinolysis

Hampton & King represents clients suffering from the following kinds of medical complications and injuries due to CPM:

  • Cognitive impairment
  • Brain damage
  • Double vision
  • Speech difficulty
  • Confusion
  • Muscle spasms
  • Tremors
  • Hallucinations
  • Uncontrollable eye movements

Assessing Health Care Provider Negligence & CPM

Since CPM is usually a complication of treatment for hyponatremia, it is typically preventable. The question then arises, what did a doctor do—or fail to do—in treating a patient for low sodium? In most cases, hyponatremia is reversible when recognized and treated properly. In consultation with medical professionals, our legal team reviews patient records and results of lab tests in order to recreate the decisions and actions of a doctor. In doing so, we can often identify important information that was missed or ignored in failures to properly treat hyponatremia.

Assessing your care begins with sharing your story with a member of our staff. Our Medical Director, who is a full-time MD, will evaluate your case to understand what went wrong and why. She will consult with medical specialists who understand your case, and together our medical and legal professionals will begin to build your claim. Understanding the merits of your case is only the first step—but it’s one of the most vital when it comes to your success. Few law firms are as equipped as Hampton & King to address your unique situation.

Contact Our Dedicated Attorneys Today

We understand the medical issues involved in CPM. If you or a family member has suffered from CPM due to physician negligence, contact a medical malpractice lawyer in Houston. Hartley Hampton and Christopher King are standing by to provide the assistance you need.

Start by requesting a free consultation—call us at (713) 489-0993.

Call 713.489.0993 for your free case consultation.
Let us get you answers and review your options today.