Hypernatremia history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Jack Khouri

The symptoms of hypernatremia are subtle and include weakness or lethargy. With more severe elevations of the sodium level, seizures and coma may occur.

A detailed history is important for the diagnosis of the etiology of hypernatremia.

Patients having hypernatremia may have a positive history of

• diabetes insipidus
• hyperaldosteronism
• Cushing’s disease
• Neurological disorder such as dementia or impaired motor function
• Seizure disorder
• Malabsorption
• Ingestion of excess sodium salts.

Hypernatremic patients can also have a recent history of the following diseases:

• diarrhea

• burns
• exercise (increased sweating)
• polyuria
• Polydypsia

Patients on the following drugs can also have high sodium levels:

• Diuretics
• Lactulose

Symptoms of hypernatremia are mainly neuromuscular and are as follows:^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

• lethargy
• Weakness
• Irritability
• edema.
• seizures
• coma

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