Sodium is one type of electrolyte found in the blood. Proper sodium levels are necessary both for cellular function and to help regulate the amount of water in the body. As a result, abnormal sodium levels can have a profound effect on the body and can cause problems in the brain.
Testing
Abnormal sodium levels are typically diagnosed by measuring the amount of sodium in the blood. Sodium is typically measured along with other electrolytes, as part of routine blood testing. Patients may also have sodium levels in their urine measured, to determine if the kidneys are functioning properly. Patients who have abnormally low levels of sodium are said to have "hyponatremia," whereas those with elevated blood sodium levels are said to have "hypernatremia."
Causes
Hyponatremia is caused by sodium levels in the blood being lower than usual. This condition can have a number of causes, notes MayoClinic.com. Patients who drink too much water may develop hyponatremia as a result of the excess water diluting sodium in the blood. The recreational drug Ecstasy can also lead to dangerously low sodium levels. Liver disease and heart problems can also cause retention of water, which can lead to hyponatremia. Hypernatremia, on the other hand, can be caused by dehydration or by excessive salt intake. Other problems, such as vomiting, kidney disease, diarrhea and diuretic use, can lead to both hyponatremia and hypernatremia, depending on the circumstances.
Symptoms
Patients with hyponatremia, according to MayoClinic.com, may develop a headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. They can also feel fatigued, restless or agitated. Hypernatremia can cause changes in a patient's urine, according to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Patients who have lost sodium due to vomiting or diarrhea will produce low amounts of urine that is dark in color, whereas hypernatremia caused by kidney disease or diuretic use will lead to the patient producing large amounts of clear urine. Abnormal levels of sodium can cause changes in the size of neurons as they retain or lose water in an attempt to return sodium levels to normal. This can be dangerous because of the delicate nature of neuronal cells. Consequently, severe sodium imbalances can cause confusion, decreased consciousness, seizures and death.
Risk Factors
Because dehydration and overhydration can lead to abnormal sodium levels, the elderly are particularly prone to these disorders, the Merck Manual explains, because they may not adequately control their fluid intake. Patients with a history of kidney problems are also more likely to have their sodium balance disrupted. In addition, patients with chronic diseases that cause persistent vomiting or diarrhea can easily develop hypernatremia or hyponatremia.
Treatment
Because of the risk of permanent brain injury, abnormal sodium levels should be treated as quickly as possible. For patients with hypernatremia, this typically involves the intravenous administration of fluids to dilute the sodium in the blood. Patients with hyponatremia, on the other hand, require intravenous infusion of both sodium and extra fluids. This is important because administration of sodium alone could cause water to rush too quickly out of the swollen brain cells, causing unnecessary damage.
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