HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Have Symptoms Of Low Blood Sodium. What Can Be Done?

default
Posted on Sat, 27 Jul 2013
Question: Symptoms of low blood sodium
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (41 minutes later)
Hi,
The symptoms of a low blood serum include nausea and vomiting, headache, confusion, fatigue and loss of appetite. Also, restlessness, irritability and muscle weakness may be present. Muscle spasms, cramps and seizures may also occur.

The severity of the symptoms are related to the level of sodium. The lower the sodium, the more prominent the symptoms will be. The most serious symptoms involve the brain. The low sodium causes water to enter the brain. It may swell within the rigid skull and it then becomes squeezed and seizures may occur. The faster the sodium falls the more severe the symptoms will be. A low sodium that has occurred slowly may be reasonably well tolerated.

I hope this has helped you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
MBChB FRCA
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Kerry Pottinger

Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1337 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Have Symptoms Of Low Blood Sodium. What Can Be Done?

Hi,
The symptoms of a low blood serum include nausea and vomiting, headache, confusion, fatigue and loss of appetite. Also, restlessness, irritability and muscle weakness may be present. Muscle spasms, cramps and seizures may also occur.

The severity of the symptoms are related to the level of sodium. The lower the sodium, the more prominent the symptoms will be. The most serious symptoms involve the brain. The low sodium causes water to enter the brain. It may swell within the rigid skull and it then becomes squeezed and seizures may occur. The faster the sodium falls the more severe the symptoms will be. A low sodium that has occurred slowly may be reasonably well tolerated.

I hope this has helped you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
MBChB FRCA