How to Correct Electrolyte Imbalance Paralysis
Electrolytes are elemental substances in the body that contribute to overall organ function and health. If electrolytes are too high or too low, the imbalance can cause you to get sick. One common type of imbalance is low potassium, which can cause cramps, fatigue, and muscle weakness. In moderate to severe cases, irregular heart rhythms, temporary paralysis and even death can result.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Electrocardiogram
- Blood test for serum potassium
- High-potassium foods as described below
- Potassium supplements, as directed
- Prescribed potassium pills or intravenous (IV) potassium, as directed
Instructions
-
-
1
See your physician if you develop any combination of weakness, fatigue, unrelieved vomiting, frequent diarrhea, muscle cramps, fast or irregular heartbeat, or paralysis (your limbs become very limp and you cannot feel them). If you have any trouble breathing, skip your doctor's office and go straight to the emergency room. You are at risk for paralysis from hypokalemia if you regularly take diuretics or laxatives; exercise strenuously and for long periods of time; have heart or kidney problems; or have a known low potassium level.
-
2
Consent to a blood test for serum potassium and to a 12-lead echocardiogram (EKG). These tests help the doctor assess just how low your potassium level is, and to decide how to treat it.
-
-
3
Add high-potassium foods to your diet, including bananas, oranges and orange juice, spinach, collard greens, kale and potatoes. Your doctor can provide you with a comprehensive list of recommended foods. If you already have paralysis from hypokalemia, these dietary changes are for after your acute low potassium level stabilizes.
-
4
Take potassium supplements, if your doctor recommends them. Not all supplements are alike, so carefully take the dosage your doctor recommends, and check the labels to be sure the supplement you choose contains the right amount of potassium.
-
5
Allow intravenous potassium to do its work if you are admitted to the hospital. Once your potassium level is stabilized, the paralysis and other symptoms clear up.
-
1
