What Are the Clinical Manifestations of Electrolyte Imbalances?
Electrolyte imbalances can present with a variety of symptoms. Hyponatremia may cause nausea, headache, confusion, and seizures. Hypernatremia often leads to dehydration, thirst, and neurological symptoms. Hypokalemia can result in muscle weakness, cramps, and arrhythmias, while hyperkalemia may cause muscle paralysis and life-threatening cardiac conditions. Hypocalcemia can present with tetany, seizures, and cardiac abnormalities, whereas hypercalcemia can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, renal stones, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Hypomagnesemia often manifests as neuromuscular irritability and cardiac arrhythmias, while hypermagnesemia can depress neuromuscular function and lead to hypotension and cardiac arrest.
