Water poisoning is when an extreme amount of of water is consumed in a short period of time. This actually will cause the human brain to become disrupted in its regular brain functions. This is as a direct result of an imbalance of electrolytes in body fluids.

Our body has a balanced method of processing and excreting fluids, either through urine or perspiration. Over-diluting the sodium and potassium levels in the blood plasma through excessive consumption of water is called hyponatremia and contributes to what is called an osmotic shift of the fluid inside and outside the cells. The pressure from this action results in a swelling of the cells, often in the central nervous system, including the brain. This may result in water intoxication, which is not as serious as water poisoning, or as it is also called, hyperhydration.

When the cell membranes can no longer withstand the pressure, the cells can begin to die. This is indicated in more serious forms of water intoxication and water poisoning. Symptoms of water poisoning include lightheadedness, vomiting, headache, nausea and unresponsiveness. When the sodium in the blood plasma falls to dangerous levels, swelling of the brain, coma, seizures and possibly death may occur.

When excessive amounts of water are consumed, body cells swell and they also swell in the nervous system. This swelling includes the brain. The body’s fragile cells will start to die under this excessive pressure. When the process dying cells occurs, then the body has what is known as water poisoning. This is a very serious condition which has symptoms which include lightheadedness, headache, and nausea, swelling of the brain, coma, seizures, and even death.