Editing Water intoxication (section)

==Pathophysiology==
At the onset of this condition, fluid outside the cells has an [[Osmotic concentration|excessively low amount of solutes]], such as [[sodium]] and other [[electrolyte]]s, in comparison to the fluid inside the cells, causing the fluid to move into the cells to balance its [[Osmosis|osmotic]] concentration. This causes the cells to swell. The swelling increases [[intracranial pressure]] in the brain, which leads to the first observable symptoms of water intoxication: headache, personality changes, changes in behavior, confusion, irritability, and [[Somnolence|drowsiness]]. These are sometimes followed by difficulty breathing during exertion, muscle weakness and pain, twitching, or cramping, nausea, vomiting, thirst, and a dulled ability to perceive and interpret sensory information. As the condition persists, papillary and vital signs may result including [[bradycardia]] and widened [[pulse pressure]]. The cells in the brain may swell to the point where blood flow is interrupted resulting in [[cerebral edema]]. Swollen brain cells may also apply [[Brain herniation|pressure to the brain stem]] causing central nervous system dysfunction. Both cerebral edema and interference with the central nervous system are dangerous and could result in seizures, brain damage, coma, or death.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Moreau|first1=David|title=Fluids & Electrolytes Made Incredibly Easy!|date=2008|publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins|location=Philadelphia|isbn=978-1582555652|pages=75–77|edition=4th}}</ref>