Central pontine myelinolysis is a rare and potentially lifethreatening
complication of a sudden rise in serum osmolality.
Here we describe a 51-year-old male with alcohol dependence
syndrome who was treated for severe hyponatraemia. The
clinical course was complicated by neurological symptoms,
eventually recognised as the consequence of evolving
central pontine myelinolysis. This case report underlines the
importance of recognising risk factors predisposing the patient
to the development of central pontine myelinolysis.