Sodium is found mostly in the body fluids outside the cells. It
is very important for maintaining blood pressure. Sodium is also
needed for nerves and muscles to work properly. When the amount
of sodium in fluids outside cells drops, water moves into the
cells to balance the levels. This causes the cells to swell with
too much water. Although most cells can handle this swelling,
brain cells cannot, because the skull bones confine them. Brain
swelling causes most of the symptoms of hyponatremia. The cause
of hyponatremia must be diagnosed and treated. In some cases,
cancer may cause the condition, and radiation, chemotherapy, or
surgery to remove the tumor may correct the sodium imbalance.
Other treatments depend on the specific type of hyponatremia.
Treatments may include: Fluids through a vein (IV) Medication to
relieve symptoms The outcome depends on the condition that is
causing the problem. In general, acute hyponatremia, which
occurs in less than 48 hours, is more dangerous than
hyponatremia that develop