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Description

Hypernatremia is a condition in which the sodium levels in the blood are abnormally high. It is usually caused by a decrease in the amount of water in the body relative to the amount of sodium. Symptoms of hypernatremia can include thirst, confusion, fatigue, muscle weakness, and seizures. Treatment of hypernatremia typically involves increasing the amount of water in the body, either through oral or intravenous fluids. In some cases, medications may be used to reduce the amount of sodium in the blood.

Synonyms

• hypernatremia
• Na excess
• sodium excess
• sodium overload

Symptoms (patient's findings)

• asthenia
• fatigue

Signs (examiner's findings)

• abnormal skin turgor
• coma
• convulsions
• dry mucous membranes
• orthostatic hypotension
• stupor
• transient alteration of awareness

Basic Lab Tests (measurements)

• body
  •      weight change
  •      weight
• serum
  •      sodium
  •      calcium
  •      osmolality

Detailed Disease and Condition Information (use the search buttons below to find details on these topics)
All of the following must be considered when interpreting clinical findings and are too extensive to be covered on this site: