“Can a drop in sodium levels be responsible for confusion and hallucinations?”
My father is 72 years old. He had a bout of jaundice, which is why his sodium levels are pretty low. He is unable to sleep and also speaks like he is confused and at times, has hallucinations. What can I do about it? Can a neurologist do anything about this?
8 Answers
Yes, a neurologist might be able to help. Low sodium can cause confusion and hallucinations.
Low sodium has many causes, mostly medical, but it can impair brain function if it is too low, such as below 120. It can cause confusion, seizures, and, if uncorrected, it can rapidly cause brain damage.
Richard Grant Hunter
Neurologist
Sounds like he may have liver failure causing all of this. Needs internist who is familiar with treating this type of low sodium from liver failure. Best wishes.
OK, this is likely an Inappropriate ADH syndrome (Anti Diuretic Hormone) and the immediate treatment is to stop the intake of fluids. However, it is important to refer to a neurologist to asses the patient and likely suggest hospitalization for further evaluation and consulting with other specialists to do the necessary tests to identify the causation. Urgent management is necessary, as seizures and other complications may occur at any time!
M. Kreidie, M.D., F.A.A.N.
M. Kreidie, M.D., F.A.A.N.
Yes, low sodium can cause confusion. No, a neurologist would not likely be the best to address this. If it is due to liver disease then a gastroenterologist would be where you would go, but you should probably start with your general internist.
Neurons (brain cells) do not like low sodium. This causes brain cells to have more water than normal. Drowsiness, confusion, and even hallucinations can result. The primary treatment focuses on the underlying cause for the low sodium. Treatment of low sodium depends on the cause of the low sodium and the rate of change (how much time the drop in sodium occurred over). Treatment of the neuro-behavioral complications, such as hallucinations, is complicated and may include medications. Frequently reorient him to the date and time, why he is having a hard time, and what is being done about it. Make sure his environment is well-lit during the day and dark during sleep. If he uses eyeglasses or hearing aids, make sure he has these on. Hope this helps!
Low sodium levels can cause exactly this- ask your doctors to check his ammonia levels in his arterial blood using a green top test tube on ice. You can see a liver doctor.
Answer is yes. This seems to be a case for GI and Internal medicine specialist
