What are the symptoms of hyponatremia?
Clinical manifestations of hyponatremia occur at sodium concentrations below 125 mmol/l. Sodium deficiency is particularly problematic for the brain. Symptoms are therefore most often neurological, such as:
- Headaches;
- Irritability;
- Lethargy;
- Confusional state;
- Stupor;
- Muscle twitching and convulsions;
- Epileptic seizures;
- Coma.
Symptoms are likely to be more severe in older people with chronic conditions. There can also be other signs, such as:
- Digestive signs: anorexia, nausea, vomiting;
- Osteoporosis and fractures: the lack of sodium may weaken the skeleton.
In case of rapid and/or severe sodium loss, there are clear and severe symptoms, such as seizures and loss of consciousness. If the sodium deficiency develops slowly, the symptoms are vague, such as feeling unwell, headaches, drowsiness, lethargy or reduced attention.
Please note that the drop in natremia is considered rapid if it occurs within two days. If it occurs over a longer period, it is likely to be asymptomatic.
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