CPM is associated with alcoholism, malnutrition ,liver disease, Addison's disease and diuretic use. The exact cause is unknown, however the notably most of the cases are associated with rapid correction of chronic hyponatremia .

Typical histopathological features are symmetric demyelination of the pons extending centrifugally from the median raphe.

Clinical symptoms are spastic paraparesis, or quadriparesis with pseudobulbar palsies, including extraocular muscle weakness, dysarthria and dysphagia. Ultimately a state of pseudocoma