Low Sodium Levels & Confusion

Sodium is an electrolyte necessary for maintaining fluid balance in the cells. When your sodium level is low, your cells may fill with too much fluid, which negatively affects normal function. A normal sodium level is 136 to 145 mEq/L, according to MayoClinic.com. A sodium level of less than 135 mEq/L is considered low; this is known medically as hyponatremia.

Causes

Common causes of hyponatremia include fasting, drinking very large quantities of water, diuretic abuse, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, extreme exercise, vomiting, diarrhea and high blood glucose. In some cases, sodium and fluid levels are both below normal, while in other cases only the sodium level is low. Still other cases present as excess fluid along with relatively low sodium.

Confusion and Other Symptoms

When the cells within the brain swell due to low sodium, serious damage can occur as the swelling skull has no room for expansion. This can lead to confusion, irritability, headache and seizures. Other symptoms of hyponatremia include excessive tiredness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, coma, muscle cramps and vomiting. Mild, chronic hyponatremia may produce no noticeable symptoms and be caught only during a routine laboratory test.

Treatment

Treatment is frequently aimed at correcting the underlying reason for the low blood sodium level. Swelling of the brain is considered an emergency, requiring immediate treatment. It may be unsafe to raise the sodium level too quickly. Medications and intravenous fluids containing a higher than normal concentration of sodium may be required, depending on the source of the hyponatremia. The confusion and other symptoms should slowly clear as the sodium level returns to normal.

Prevention

Hyponatremia prevention should be a joint effort between you and your physician. You can do your part by monitoring your blood sugar if you have diabetes, not drinking excessive amounts of water and taking diuretics only as prescribed. Follow your physician's instructions about sodium intake and don't completely eliminate sodium from your diet. If you are an endurance athlete, ask your physician if you should drink a sports drink that replenishes your sodium and other electrolytes while exercising, suggests MayoClinic.com. If you feel confused during or after a strenuous workout, seek medical attention.