From the Research
Relationship Between Electrolyte Imbalances and Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
- Electrolyte disorders can have significant neurologic manifestations, including peripheral neuropathic pain 1
- The pathophysiology of electrolyte disorders, such as dysnatremias, dyskalemias, dyscalcemias, and dysmagnesemias, can lead to symptoms including numbness, tingling, and pain 2
- Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypomagnesemia, can induce hypocalcemia and hypokalemia, leading to neuromuscular manifestations including peripheral neuropathic pain 3
- In patients with severe acute malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, including hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, and hypomagnesemia, are common and can contribute to peripheral neuropathic pain 4
- The relationship between electrolyte imbalances and peripheral neuropathic pain is complex and may involve multiple mechanisms, including nerve damage and altered nerve function 2, 5
Key Electrolyte Imbalances Associated with Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
- Hypomagnesemia: can induce hypocalcemia and hypokalemia, leading to neuromuscular manifestations including peripheral neuropathic pain 3
- Hyponatremia: can cause numbness, tingling, and pain, particularly in patients with central pontine myelinolysis 1
- Hypokalemia: can contribute to peripheral neuropathic pain, particularly in patients with severe acute malnutrition 4
- Hypocalcemia: can lead to neuromuscular manifestations, including peripheral neuropathic pain, particularly in patients with hypomagnesemia 3
Clinical Implications
- Early recognition and correction of electrolyte imbalances are crucial to prevent peripheral neuropathic pain and other neurologic manifestations 2, 5
- Serum electrolytes should be assessed and corrected in patients with malnutrition to avoid fatal outcomes 4
- A detailed understanding of the pathophysiology of electrolyte disorders is essential for the practicing neurologist to recognize and manage these conditions effectively 1