| This
condition involves high output of dilute urine with normal or elevated
concentration of ions (sodium, etc) in the blood. It is usually due
to low levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and patients may become
dehydrated. An alert patient will become thirsty and drink water
to prevent dehydration. When the cause is related to the brain,
it may be the result of transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumor,
brain death, surgery for masses pressing on or in the region of the
hypothalamus, or meningitis. |
Glossary 
