What is a potential consequence of untreated hyponatremia?

Untreated hyponatremia, which refers to low sodium levels in the blood, can lead to a variety of serious complications, one of the most significant being seizures. The brain is highly sensitive to changes in sodium concentration, and when sodium levels drop, it can result in cerebral edema (swelling of the brain). This swelling disrupts normal brain function, potentially leading to neurological symptoms, including confusion, altered mental status, and seizures.

Seizures occur as a result of the altered electrical activity in the brain due to its inability to maintain a stable environment for neuronal function in the presence of low sodium levels. Therefore, it highlights the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of hyponatremia to prevent these serious complications.

The other options, while they may relate to different medical conditions or complications, are not direct consequences of untreated hyponatremia as seizures are. Hyperglycemia is related to elevated blood glucose levels, cardiac arrest is typically due to heart-related issues, and neuropathy generally relates to nerve damage often due to chronic conditions like diabetes.