REVIEW

Journal of Neurocritical Care. 2011; 4(1): 1-6.

Electrolyte Disturbances and Seizures

Oh-Young Kwon, MD

Department of Neurology and Gyeongsang Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea

Seizures can be induced by electrolyte disturbances such as hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia. Usual pattern of the seizures are generalized tonic-clonic seizures in the cases, but partial seizures also can be occurred. Basically, electrolyte disturbances are secondary process to other causes. Thus early diagnosis and correction of the causes are mandatory for the effective treatment and prevention of brain damage. For these reasons, the electrolyte imbalances should be considered and investigated as causes of the seizures. It is difficult to mention about the absolute threshold of serum electrolyte levels to induce seizures. The seizures are usually occurred when the changes of serum concentration of electrolytes are rapid. The seizures induced by electrolyte disturbances cannot be controlled only with antiepileptic drugs and there is no need of long-term use of antiepileptic medication.

Key Words : Electrolytes · Seizures · Sodium · Calcium · Magnesium