Bodily Water and Electrolyte Abnormalities in Neurological Disease

Bodily water and electrolyte abnormalities can significantly impact the clinical course of patients with neurological diseases. Specifically, hypo- and hypernatremia are common in this subset of patients and the understanding of the pathophysiology involved in each case, and its optimal management, determine the outcome of the individual patients. The diagnosis and treatment algorithms for the management of bodily water and sodium disturbances in patients with neurological diseases are discussed in this chapter. Also included are disorders of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium homeostasis.