HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Orlando, Florida, USA or Virtually from your home or work.

12th Edition of International Conference on Neurology and Brain Disorders

October 20-22, 2025

October 20 -22, 2025 | Orlando, Florida, USA
INBC 2025

Role of glucocorticoids and re-introduction of hyponatremia in the management of osmotic demyelination syndrome

Speaker at Brain Disorders Conference - Jagjot Singh
GMC Amritsar, India
Title : Role of glucocorticoids and re-introduction of hyponatremia in the management of osmotic demyelination syndrome

Abstract:

Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome (ODS) is a rare but serious complication that can occur following the rapid correction of chronic hyponatremia. Characterized by demyelination in the central pons and other brain regions, it presents with a wide spectrum of neurological deficits including quadriparesis, dysarthria, dysphagia, and altered consciousness. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for ODS once it develops, and management is largely supportive. Emerging animal studies, however, suggest a potential role for re-lowering serum sodium and administering glucocorticoids to improve outcomes. We report a case of a 65-year-old male with a history of hypertension, polycystic kidney disease, and parkinsonism who presented with altered sensorium and progressive weakness of all four limbs. He had been previously admitted for intractable vomiting and treated with rapid correction of hyponatremia using 3% hypertonic saline. His condition worsened over the next 48 hours, and MRI brain (FLAIR) revealed pontine demyelination, confirming a diagnosis of ODS. In response, serum sodium was carefully reduced from 136 mEq/L to 123 mEq/L over three days using intravenous 5% dextrose and enteral free water. Simultaneously, intravenous hydrocortisone was administered at 100 mg every 8 hours. The patient’s sensorium began improving by the third day of steroid therapy, followed by gradual recovery of speech and limb strength over the next few days. This case supports the therapeutic potential of combining re-introduction of hyponatremia with glucocorticoid therapy in the management of ODS. While slow and controlled sodium correction remains the cornerstone of prevention, these interventions may offer a viable option for mitigating established cases. Our findings are in line with experimental studies demonstrating reduced mortality and demyelination in animal models treated with dexamethasone or with re-induced hyponatremia. Further clinical research is warranted to establish standardized protocols and validate the safety and efficacy of these approaches in humans.

Biography:

Dr. Jagjot Singh is an aspiring neurologist with a deep passion for neuroscience, clinical excellence, and academic research. He has authored over 25 publications and has presented his work at several prestigious national and international conferences.Beyond his medical and academic pursuits, Dr. Singh is the founder of SafeTricks.com, a widely followed technology blog where he shares expert guides on cybersecurity, digital privacy, and smart tech solutions. He is also the creator of MedSate.com, a platform focused on preventive health education and the development of user-friendly medical tools for both patients and professionals.

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