In addition to cardiac abnormalities, what type of muscle symptoms may be present in hyponatremia?

In the context of hyponatremia, muscle symptoms can manifest due to the imbalance in sodium levels affecting cellular function, including muscle tissue. Muscle twitching is a specific and common symptom associated with hyponatremia. This occurs as neurons that innervate muscle become hypo-excitable or experience altered excitability due to changes in the sodium gradient, impacting synaptic transmission. The result can be involuntary contractions or spasms, known as twitching.

While muscle weakness, cramps, and stiffness can also be encountered in various conditions related to electrolyte imbalances, twitching is closely correlated with the acute effects of hyponatremia and is more directly linked to the neuromuscular excitability that changes when sodium levels drop. Thus, recognizing muscle twitching as a symptom can assist in evaluating patients experiencing hyponatremia and guiding appropriate interventions.