Can Dehydration Due To Exercise Cause Fainting And Convulsions?

Posted on Wed, 23 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 Answered on

Fri, 9 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Can dehydration exercise induced with electrolyte imbalance and low potassium may result in fainting and convulsions similar to an epileptic seizure?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Vigorous exercise can produce convulsions Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Mr XXXXXXX Exercise has the following effects on body 1. Increases body temperature 2. Increases insensible water loss 3. Excessive sweating The water lost in sweating is hypotonic ( more water loss and less electrolytes ) . This leads to loss of more of potassium compared to Sodium. It produces following electrolyte and fluid abnormality ( vigorous exercise) 1. Dehydration 2. Hypernatremia ( excessive sodium levels in the blood): As more of water is lost , it causes rise in Serum sodium level 3. Hypokalemia ( Low potassium level) Hypernatemia, dehydration and associated increases body temperature (Hyperthermia) induced due to vigorous exercise can produce convulsions which are exactly similar like epileptic seizure. In case you require any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Take care Best Regards Dr T Shobha Deepak MBBS, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

If i ate a lot of sodium just before exercise when this happened does this increase the chance of hyperthermia and loss of potassium and seizure ?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer: They would have all contributed to it Detailed Answer: Hi Vigorous exercise , high surrounding temperature, inappropriate fluids all tend to increase the risk. Take Care Best Regards Dr T Shobha Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar