Why does hyponatremia cause mental confusion?

Why does hyponatremia cause mental confusion?

Actually, the main problem in the vast number of situations is too much water that dilutes the Na+ value rather than too much sodium. As a result, water moves into body cells, causing them to swell. This swelling causes the major problem, which is a change in mental status that can progress to seizures or coma.

What causes hyponatremia after surgery?

Post-Operative Hyponatraemia. Fluid retention is seen as part of stress response to surgery. There is an increase in hypothalamic-pituitary hormone secretion, resulting in increased cortisol and ADH release. The resulting free water reabsorption in excess of sodium results in a hyponatraemia.

Can hyponatremia cause psychosis?

Symptoms of hyponatremia can range from increased psychotic symptoms to seizures, coma and even death.

What is the major cause of hyponatremia?

Hyponatremia is decrease in serum sodium concentration < 136 mEq/L (< 136 mmol/L) caused by an excess of water relative to solute. Common causes include diuretic use, diarrhea, heart failure, liver disease, renal disease, and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).

Can you get brain damage from low sodium?

In acute hyponatremia, sodium levels drop rapidly — resulting in potentially dangerous effects, such as rapid brain swelling, which can result in a coma and death. Premenopausal women appear to be at the greatest risk of hyponatremia-related brain damage.

What are the long term effects of low sodium?

Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia can include altered personality, lethargy and confusion. Severe hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death.

How is post op hyponatremia treated?

The treatment is simple. Fluid infusion should be restricted to normal saline (0.9% normal saline) and serum sodium concentration monitored. Hypretonic saline to be used only if neurological symptoms appear.

Is hyponatremia common after surgery?

The most common precipitant of hyponatremia in patients after surgery is the iatrogenic infusion of hypotonic fluids.

Can low sodium cause personality changes?

Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia can include altered personality, lethargy and confusion. Severe hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death. Hyponatremia is more common in older adults because they’re more likely to take medications or have medical conditions that put them at risk of the disorder.

How fast can you correct hyponatremia?

In patients with severe symptomatic hyponatremia, the rate of sodium correction should be 6 to 12 mEq per L in the first 24 hours and 18 mEq per L or less in 48 hours. A bolus of 100 to 150 mL of hypertonic 3% saline can be given to correct severe hyponatremia.