Hyperacute hyponatremia mimicking acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

We present a case of hyperacute hyponatremia with stroke like symptoms on presentation. Symptoms included confusion, left-sided facial droop, right-sided hemiparesis, dysarthria and aphasia, with an NIH stroke score of 5. Sodium level at the time of presentation was 119 mmol/L which dropped acutely from 138 mmol/L seven hours prior. Symptoms improved after treatment with 3% saline and no evidence of stroke, intracranial hemorrhage or space-occupying lesion was seen on imaging. The most likely cause of the hyponatremia was increased free water consumption and ADH surge. The patient remained symptom free after discharge with resolution of hyponatremia. Acute hyponatremia can cause focal neurological complaints and deficits, mimicking acute ischemic stroke. We advise clinicians to be aware of this entity when considering interventions for possible acute ischemic stroke and evaluating a patient with focal neurological deficits.

Keywords: Hyperacute hyponatremia; Stroke.