CEREBRAL SALT WASTING SYNDROME IN BRAIN INJURY PATIENTS - A POTENTIALCAUSE OF HYPONATREMIA

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.