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Rapid development of hyponatraemic seizures in a psychotic patient

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

David N. Grainger
David N. Grainger*
Affiliation:
St Nicholas Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr David N. Grainger, 48, Mountwood, Greystoke Gardens, Jesmond Vale, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 1PY.
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Synopsis

A 60-year-old woman with a history of recurrent psychotic illness developed severe hyponatraemia after a short period of compulsive water drinking. The case provides a rare illustration of the rapidity of development of dangerously low levels of serum sodium. On discovery of mild hyponatraemia it is essential to repeat measurement of the serum sodium level should the patient's clinical condition change, in order to detect any further deterioration of serum osmolality which may result in severe and possibly fatal cerebral symptoms.

Type
Case Report
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 22 , Issue 2 , May 1992 , pp. 513 - 517
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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