Hyponatraemia after acute spinal injury.

Of 134 patients admitted to the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries within 2 days of the spinal injury during 1991-1992, 25 developed hyponatraemia in the acute phase. Hyponatraemia was most common among patients with complete tetraplegia (45 per cent) and these patients tended to be younger as well as have more severe and prolonged hyponatraemia. Overhydration is a common cause of hyponatraemia in this group of patients and should be avoided.