Sodium disturbances in neurosurgery

Sodium and volume are regulated by neural, humoral, and renal mechanisms. These systems integrate information regarding extracellular fluid (ECF) osmolality, intravascular volume, circulatory haemodynamics, as well as sodium and water intake. Neural and humoral messengers are then used to modify the intake and excretion of sodium and water, as well as regulate vascular tone. While regulation of sodium and water involve separate systems, they do not operate independently.