Abstract

Sodium disturbances are common in patients with brain injury because of the major role that the central nervous system plays in the regu-lation of sodium and water homeostasis. In addition, treatment of the injured brain can itself disturb regulation of sodium and water. Sodium disturbances can lead to serious com-plications and adverse outcomes, including death. Complications can be minimized by a systematic approach to recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of the sodium disturbance. Regulation of salt and water balance Sodium is the major extracellular cation and one of the most important osmotically active