Symptoms of SODIUM IMBALANCE

Many of the clinical features of hyponatremia relate to brain swelling and cerebral edema. The development and severity of symptoms is also related not only to the degree of hyponatremia, but also the rate at which the sodium concentration in the body is changing. Early on, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue occur. Later, headache, lethargy and confusion develop. Only at severe states do seizures or coma develop. Hypernatremia is usually produced by loss of water. There is often altered mental status. Weakness and muscular irritability occur. Bleeding in the brain may develop, leading to weakness, numbness or speech problems. Seizures and coma can occur.