Sodium Depletion Seizures

Sodium is present in many foods and also is widely available in the form of sodium chloride or table salt. Sodium levels in your bloodstream play a part in causing or preventing seizures. Consult your doctor for advice regarding seizure control and appropriate intake of both sodium and water.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is a medical condition arising from suddenly low blood sodium levels. According to MedLine Plus, there are several possible underlying medical conditions which can cause hyponatremia. Additionally, excessive water consumption during exercise or athletic competitions can bring about the condition. When a person is suffering from hyponatremia, she is at risk of experiencing a seizure whether or not she has epilepsy. Hyponatremia symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches or unexplained fatigue.

Exercise and Sport

When you exercise intensely, your body loses sodium through salt in your sweat. Additionally, you may be diluting the remaining sodium in your body by drinking large volumes of water during or after exercise. Extensive exercise -- especially in hot environments -- can lead to low blood sodium levels and an increased risk of seizure. According to a case study in the September 2002 issue of "The Physician and Sports Medicine," a healthy young man experienced a seizure due to sodium depletion after several hours of hard physical work in a hot and humid climate. He had taken nearly 6 L of water in during several hours, diluting his blood sodium while losing salt through sweat.

Sodium and Medications

If you experience recurring seizures and are diagnosed with epilepsy, it is most likely your doctor will prescribe a long-term regimen of anti-epileptic medications. There are different types of medicines to control seizures, and each has different potential side-effects. The anti-epileptic medication oxcarbazepine can increase water retention in the body. Increased water retention causes a lowered concentration of sodium in your blood, which in turn may trigger seizures.

Excess Sodium

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most Americans consume far more sodium than is considered healthy. Prepared and processed food typically contains high salt levels, and it is easy to exceed the recommended daily limit of 2.4 g of sodium in a single meal or snack. Over time, high sodium consumption can lead to the development of high blood pressure, also known as malignant hypertension. According to MedLine Plus, malignant hypertension has the potential to cause seizures in susceptible individuals.