Hyponatraemia post stroke: a case study and review

Abstract

This article discusses a case seen in clinical practice presenting with hyponatraemia post stroke. Strokes are a common occurrence in the UK and evidence suggests that 50% of these cases will develop some form of sodium and water imbalance, associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Hyponatraemia in acute stroke is commonly caused by either a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone or cerebral salt wasting syndrome. This article discusses both causes which require different treatment approaches and reflects on the treatment decisions of the practitioner, who, on reading the literature around hyponatraemia, reversed their initial treatment decision.