How to manage electrolyte disturbances caused by traumatic brain injury
Disease description:
The patient sustained a traumatic brain injury from a car accident. Two surgeries were performed for cerebral hematoma, and now there is an electrolyte imbalance. What should we do?
Patients with cerebral hemorrhage are often treated with dehydration medications, which can lead to excessive urine output and increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, poor dietary intake in these patients results in inadequate nutritional supplementation, further contributing to electrolyte disturbances. Therefore, regular monitoring of electrolytes is necessary for cerebral hemorrhage patients. The purpose of electrolyte testing is to continuously assess their electrolyte status—such as detecting conditions like hyponatremia or hypokalemia—and promptly correct deficiencies in sodium and potassium. Electrolyte imbalances can cause significant harm to the body and hinder recovery from the illness. However, if a patient is able to eat normally during the recovery phase, routine electrolyte monitoring may no longer be needed.