What is a potential effect of altered neuronal function due to hyponatremia?

Altered neuronal function due to hyponatremia can lead to various neurological symptoms, primarily because sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of fluids in and around cells, including neurons. When sodium levels drop, it can cause neurons to swell, leading to a range of neurological issues.

Mental confusion arises as a result of this swelling, which disrupts normal neuronal signaling and can impair cognitive functions. This is because the brain is sensitive to changes in its extracellular fluid osmolality, and hyponatremia can cause an osmotic imbalance that affects neuronal activity. As a result, individuals may experience symptoms like confusion, lethargy, or irritability.

Similarly, while muscle twitching could occur with severe imbalances of electrolytes, it is primarily associated with conditions like hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia, rather than being the primary effect of altered neuronal function specifically linked to hyponatremia. Increased thirst and increased urine production are physiological responses to hypernatremia rather than hyponatremia, where the body is compensating for a sodium deficit rather than trying to excrete excess sodium.

Therefore, mental confusion is a direct outcome of altered neuronal function seen in hyponatremia due to the impact