Hypernatremia Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Jan 03, 2023
  • Author: Ivo Lukitsch, MD; Chief Editor: Vecihi Batuman, MD, FASN  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Other problems to consider include all other etiologies for metabolic or drug-induced encephalopathy (eg, cirrhosis, hyponatremia).

Metabolic encephalopathy accompanied by a history of poor oral intake, nursing home residency, the use of certain medications, the presence of appropriate comorbid conditions, increased volume, or insensible loss and obtundation should raise the suspicion of an elevated serum sodium concentration as a possible etiology for mental status changes.

Differential Diagnoses