Normalization

This chapter on “Normalization” examines neurologic diseases due to rapid normalization of systemic medical problems. Hyperglycemia, acidosis, hyponatremia, hypernatremia, uremia, and arterial hypertension are considered. Rapid normalization of a systemic medical disorder can cause neurologic disturbance and disease. Treatment of diabetes, uremia, and certain electrolyte disorders are examples. Stopping regular use of a medication would seem to bring the body to a more normal (unmedicated) state, but, in some cases, there are neurologic complications to rapid cessation. Likewise, a withdrawal syndrome can follow sudden cessation of a regularly used nonmedicinal chemical, causing neurologic withdrawal phenomena. Not all normalization disorders are chemical or metabolic. Rapid correction of increased intracranial pressure or rapid lowering of severe arterial hypertension are examples.