Hypernatremia (high level of sodium in the blood)

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In hypernatremia, the level of sodium in blood is too high.

Hypernatremia involves dehydration, which can have many causes, including not drinking enough fluids, diarrhea, kidney dysfunction, and diuretics.
Mainly, people are thirsty, and if hypernatremia worsens, they may become confused or have muscle twitches and seizures.
Blood tests are done to measure the sodium level.
Usually, fluids are given intravenously to slowly reduce the sodium level in the blood.

(See also Overview of Electrolytes and Overview of Sodium