Symptom 9. Seizures and Muscle Twitching: The Neurological Manifestations of Acute Kidney Disease
When you think of acute kidney injury, neurological symptoms like seizures and muscle twitching might not be the first things that come to mind. However, these symptoms can occur in AKI and provide insights into the disease’s widespread effects on the body.
One major cause of these symptoms in AKI is electrolyte imbalances, especially disturbances in calcium, sodium, and potassium levels. These electrolytes are essential for normal neuron functioning and muscle contraction. When their levels become too high or too low, they can cause muscle twitching and, in severe cases, seizures.
Uremia, the accumulation of waste products in the blood due to decreased kidney function, can also contribute to these neurological symptoms. Uremic toxins can cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt normal brain activity, potentially leading to seizures.
Moreover, the abrupt changes in fluid and waste product levels in the blood during dialysis (a treatment for severe AKI) can sometimes lead to a condition known as dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. This can cause brain swelling and manifest as seizures or muscle twitching.
The presence of seizures and muscle twitching in AKI underscores the importance of maintaining kidney health for overall neurological function. Recognizing these symptoms can be key to identifying severe AKI and initiating appropriate treatment. (9)
