Seizures are the physical manifestations of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Normally, the brain's neurons communicate with each other via electrical signals. Occasionally, these signals misfire, causing a seizure. Sodium, one of the body's electrolytes, helps maintain the body's overall fluid balance. Changes in the level of sodium can upset this fluid balance, which can then trigger a seizure.
Features
Seizures can manifest in different ways. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, types of seizures include generalized seizures, in which the whole body shakes with intermittent stiffening of the limbs; absence seizures, or staring spells; and partial seizures, that affect only a part of the brain and which can manifest with loss of sensations, muscle movements, or changes in mental status.
Effects
Sodium is important for maintaining the body's fluid balance. Water flows to areas where the sodium concentration is higher. When sodium levels in the blood drop or increase, the brain has to adjust to the changing electrolyte levels to prevent rapid changes in its water content. When the sodium changes too quickly, the brain cannot adjust, and a seizure can result.
Types
There are two types of changes in sodium levels that can cause seizures. Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels in the blood, allows water to flow into the brain, causing brain swelling, or edema, and seizures. Hypernatremia, or high sodium levels, forces water out of the brain, which can cause disruptions in the brain tissue, also resulting in seizures.
Causes
According to the Merck Manuals, the most common causes of hyponatremia include gastrointestinal losses, like those that occur due to vomiting and diarrhea; losses from burns and obstruction of the small bowel; diuretics, which are medicines that affect sodium and potassium levels to decrease the amount of water in the body; and chronic conditions like heart failure and liver cirrhosis. Hypernatremia can also occur from vomiting and diarrhea; burns; diuretics; and diabetes insipidus, a condition that increases the loss of water in the urine.
Treatment
The initial treatment of seizures involves making sure the patient is breathing through a patent airway and that the heart can continue supplying blood to the body, since during a seizure the heart rate can skyrocket and prove inefficient in its delivery of blood. Anticonvulsant drugs can be used to stop the seizure. If an abnormal sodium level triggered the seizure, this needs to be corrected. According to the Merck Manuals, correction of severe hyponatremia or hypernatremia must be done slowly, in the hospital setting, with frequent monitoring of sodium levels.
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