Rd. Zafonte et Nr. Mann, CEREBRAL SALT WASTING SYNDROME IN BRAIN INJURY PATIENTS - A POTENTIALCAUSE OF HYPONATREMIA, Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 78(5), 1997, pp. 540-542
Hyponatremia is a common neuromedical problem seen in survivors of cen
tral nervous system injury. The etiology of this hyponatremia is often
diagnosed as syndrome of inappropriate diuretic hormone (SIADH). Flui
d restriction is usually the first line of treatment. However, this ca
n exacerbate vasospasm and produce resultant ischemia. Cerebral salt w
asting is a syndrome of renal sodium loss that may occur commonly afte
r central nervous system injury, yet remains unrecognized. Treatment o
f cerebral salt wasting consists of hydration and salt replacement. Th
is al-ride uses a case report to discuss the importance of recognition
of this syndrome, and treatment concerns are reviewed. (C) 1997 by th
e American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academ
y of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.