ELECTROLYTES & SEIZURES Add to my favorites Feb 8, 2011 | By Joy Onugha Sufficient water intake helps to prevent sodium imbalance Photo Credit fitness woman image by T.Tulic from Fotolia Seizures result from an excessive discharge of current from a collection of neurons or brain cells. Sudden changes in electrolyte concentrations can lead to seizures; these seizures are often accompanied by advanced symptoms that reflect an acute derangement in the function of brain cells. These seizures must be addressed quickly to prevent further deficits in function. WATER BALANCE The concentration of electrolytes in the blood is partly determined by the regulation of blood volume. Blood volume is regulated by the body to maintain blood pressure but in some cases blood volume is regulated in compensation for changes in the electrolyte concentration. The total volume of water in the body corresponds to roughly 70 percent of body weight. Water in the body is distributed into intracellular and extracellular compartments. The extracellular is further separated into the water between cells and the water contained in blood vessel. Sponsored Links 1 Tip To A Flat Belly Cut Pounds of Belly Fat Every Week Using this 1 Weird Old Tip. FlawlessRaspberryKetone ELECTROLYTES AND WATER MOVEMENT Electrolytes are present in every compartment of the body but in varying concentrations. Electrolytes can be trapped in their various compartments or move freely between compartments; electrolytes that move freely do not affect the movement of water. The various important electrolytes are sodium, chloride and potassium. Sodium does not freely move between compartments and is therefore the major electrolyte that creates the osmotic force or the attractive force that pulls water into a compartment. SODIUM IMBALANCE Hypernatremia, or high blood sodium, can be caused by excess water loss or insufficient water intake; because sodium is higher in blood, water is pulled from the cell and into the blood vessel, thereby increasing blood volume and decreasing cell volume. The shrinkage of brain cells decreases their ability to function properly, which contributes to the development of seizures. Hyponatremia, or low blood sodium, can lead to seizures as well by causing the swelling of brain cells. MANAGEMENT OF SODIUM IMBALANCE The goal in managing hypernatremia is to prevent further loss of water by addressing its cause. The correction of water deficit should not be done rapidly; rapid correction results in rapid shifting of water into cells, causing them to swell and increasing the likelihood for seizures. Water is best given by mouth but in special cases, it can be given through a feeding tube. Read more: livestrong/article/377102-electrolytes-seizures/#ixzz2b9vdEA69
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 04:15:23 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015