Abnormally high levels of sodium in the blood, typically above 145 mEq/L. Usually indicates dehydration or excessive sodium intake, causing confusion, seizures, and potentially coma.
From Greek 'hyper' (excessive), Latin 'natrium' (sodium, from natron, a natural sodium compound), and Greek 'haima' (blood). The term emerged with 20th-century advances in blood chemistry analysis and understanding of fluid balance.
Hypernatremia is essentially cellular dehydration - high sodium draws water out of cells like salt draws moisture from a slug. The brain cells shrink, which is why mental confusion is often the first sign. Ironically, treating it too quickly can be as dangerous as the condition itself.
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