Water Intoxication Law and Legal Definition
Water intoxication is a serious medical condition which results when someone drinks too much water too quickly. When water consumed by body is more than the maximum level prescribed water intoxication occurs. Consumption of large quantity of water dilutes the sodium levels in the body which results in an overall loss of electrolyte balance. As a result the brain functions will be disturbed. It can even be fatal. The condition is can be treated in early stages by injecting electrolytes into the body and limiting water consumption until the body has begun to process the excess.
Under normal circumstances, an individual will not drink enough water to result in water intoxication, but in a situation where judgment might be impaired by heat stroke, drug use, or psychological duress or distress, a large amount of water may be consumed too quickly. Water intoxication is also known as hyper-hydration or water poisoning.
