Water Intoxication

Also known as water poisoning This is a disruption to the brain caused by drinking to much water. This is very rare and whilst it might be very difficult to consume to much water it does happen and death can occur due to excessive intake of fluid . Drinking to much water can increase the amount of water in the blood this can dilute the electrolytes, and especially sodium in the blood. WHEN SODIUM FALLS BELOW 135 MILLMOLES PER LITRE DOCTORS REF TO IT AS HYPONATREMIA This is very common in sports people or endurance training but it does occur in people with mental health issues . On one occasion because an athlete was not properly rehydrated ,his sodium levels fell below130mm0l/1 he then developed water on the brain this is known as hydrocephalus . developed a hernia in his brain stem and this lead to his death . Overhydration happens when someone drinks more than there kidneys can get rid of via urine . A build up of fluid in the brain is called cerebral edema which can effect the brain stem leading to central nervous disfunction . In severe cases this can lead to seizures ,brain damage and comas . SYMPTOMS Confusion disorientation Nausea Vomiting double vision difficulty breathing muscle cramps not being able to identify sensory information in rare circumstances swelling of the brain which can be fatal.

Marina Barker