10 Electrolyte Imbalance Symptoms
Electrolyte imbalance refers to the abnormal concentration of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes are important as they help maintain homeostasis (internal physical and chemical conditions) of the body. Examples include the regulation of neurological function, cardiovascular function, acid-base balance, fluid balance, and oxygen delivery.
The kidneys help to maintain electrolyte concentrations at normal levels despite constant changes in the body. Electrolyte imbalances can occur due to reduced elimination of an electrolyte, excessive ingestion, excessive elimination, or diminished ingestion of an electrolyte. Most electrolyte imbalance issues are due to abnormalities of potassium, sodium, and calcium levels.
Some common causes of electrolyte imbalance are due to severe vomiting, diarrhea, chronic laxative abuse, dehydration, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia. This article looks at 10 symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance.
Electrolyte Imbalance Symptom #1: Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms occur when there is involuntary and sudden contraction of a muscle. Spasms can also be caused by a muscle cramp, often accompanied by a burst of pain. The cramp or spasm is usually harmless and resolves on its own after several minutes. It is most commonly caused by muscular fatigue or electrolyte imbalance.
Severe spasms can cause tears in ligaments and tendons if the force exceeds the underlying connective tissue’s tensile strength. Potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium deficiency may cause muscle spasms or cramps.
Electrolyte Imbalance Symptom #2: Weakness and Fatigue
Both weakness and fatigue are common and nonspecific symptoms of various conditions such as dehydration, nutritional deficiency, and electrolyte imbalance. Weakness can generally be classified into true and perceived weakness. True weakness is usually seen in skeletal muscle diseases while perceived muscle weakness occurs when more effort is required compared to normal to achieve a result, despite normal strength.
Fatigue can be divided into physical and mental fatigue. Physical fatigue refers to the temporary inability to maintain maximum physical performance while mental fatigue is the transient inability to achieve maximal cognitive performance.
Electrolyte Imbalance Symptom #3: Fasciculations
A fasciculation, or twitching, is the involuntary, local, and small repetition of muscle contraction and relaxation. At times, it may be visible under the skin. It can occur in any part of the body. Deeper muscles that are affected can be detected using electromyography. Fasciculations occur when there is spontaneous depolarization of a lower motor neuron.
There are many conditions that can cause fasciculations. Most of these conditions are benign. Some pathological conditions include electrolyte imbalance (such as magnesium deficiency), poliomyelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, organophosphate poisoning, and rabies.
Electrolyte Imbalance Symptom #4: Convulsions
The term convulsion can be used interchangeably with the term seizure. It occurs when the muscles relax and contract rapidly, leading to uncontrolled shaking of the whole body. It is important to note that not all seizures result in convulsions.
During a convulsion, the affected individual may also experience confusion, brief loss of consciousness, drooling, temporary cessation of breathing, and loss of bladder or bowel control. It usually lasts from a few seconds to about 15 minutes. Those with convulsions that lasts 5 minutes or more should seek immediate medical attention. It can be caused by infections (encephalitis, meningitis), celiac disease, febrile seizure, head trauma, lack of oxygenation to the brain, stroke, and electrolyte imbalance.
Electrolyte Imbalance Symptom #5: Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia or cardiac arrhythmia refers to a group of conditions where the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow. When the heart rate is above 100 beats per minute, it is known as tachycardia, while bradycardia refers to a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute.
While those with arrhythmia may not experience any symptoms, they may also have palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and chest pain. Electrocardiogram and Holter monitors can help with diagnosis. Treatments include medications, pacemaker insertion, and surgery. Electrolytes such as potassium are crucial in normal heart function. This means that electrolyte imbalances can lead to arrhythmia.
Electrolyte Imbalance Symptom #6: Confusion
Confusion is a term referring to the state where one is unclear or bewildered. The term acute mental confusion is often used interchangeably with delirium. Patients with confusion often experience loss of orientation and are unable to place themselves in the correct identity, place, and time.
Confusion is a common symptom associated with hypercalcemia (increased levels of calcium in the bloodstream). If left untreated, the condition may further affect the patient’s state of consciousness, leading to coma and other dangerous complications.
Electrolyte Imbalance Symptom #7: Headaches
This a non-specific symptom associated with many conditions. Hyponatremia (low levels of sodium in the bloodstream) may cause mild to moderate headaches.
This is one of the early symptoms associated with this condition and if left untreated, it may lead to coma and even death in certain cases.
Electrolyte Imbalance Symptom #8: Paresthesia
Paresthesia refers to the abnormal dermal sensation where the individual experiences chilling, prickling, numbness, or burning sensations on the skin, without any apparent physical cause. Paresthesia can be chronic or transient with various conditions. Although painless, it can cause paralysis-like immobility most commonly in the extremities.
The commonest type of paresthesia is known as “pins and needles” or the sensation where one limb has “fallen asleep.” Some causes include hyperventilation syndrome, panic attacks, shingles, reactive hyperemia, and electrolyte imbalances (such as hypocalcemia).
Electrolyte Imbalance Symptom #9: Gastrointestinal Issues
Electrolyte imbalances can cause many gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and anorexia. For example, all the mentioned symptoms can be seen in hypercalcemia.
Abdominal pain can be defined as pain that is felt anywhere in the region of the abdomen. Nausea occurs when there is an involuntary urge to vomit, while vomiting is the actual act of throwing up stomach contents. Constipation refers to bowel movements that are hard and difficult to pass, while anorexia is the loss of appetite. All these symptoms are common, nonspecific, and can be seen in many conditions.
Electrolyte Imbalance Symptom #10: Psychological Symptoms
Many conditions may cause psychological symptoms to appear. Hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the bloodstream) is associated with hallucinations and psychotic episodes.
Electrolyte imbalances should be addressed by a physician as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
