G37: Other demyelinating diseases of central nervous system
G37.2: Central pontine myelinolysis
The brain stem is part of the brain. The brain stem is where breathing and heart rate are regulated.
There can be various reasons for nerve tissue in the brain stem being damaged. For example, the substances dissolved in the blood can affect the tissue. One of the substances dissolved in the blood is sodium. The nerve tissue in your brain stem was damaged by a sudden increase in the sodium level in your blood. This can happen if you have medical treatment for low sodium levels. If the amount of sodium in the blood increases very quickly in the process, this change can damage the nerve tissue.
Damage to the nerve tissue in the brain stem can cause many different symptoms. For example, you can become confused or drowsy. You may also lose consciousness. It may also result in various mobility disorders. You may no longer be able to move your eyes properly, for example. You can also have problems speaking or swallowing. You may also no longer be able to move your arms and legs properly.
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The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.