Potassium is an important mineral that helps nerves and muscles work right, including those in the brain. When potassium levels in the blood get too low or too high, it can cause problems with brain function and lead to various symptoms.
Too little potassium, called hypokalemia, often happens from losing fluids through vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medicines. It can make brain cells swell because potassium helps control water balance inside cells. One study found that low potassium along with low sodium raises the risk of neurological symptoms like confusion or seizures in people with severe sodium problems. The brain needs potassium to keep nerve signals steady. Without enough, neurons get overexcited, which might lead to fatigue, mood changes, or trouble thinking clearly. People with low potassium sometimes feel weak, have muscle cramps, or get heart palpitations that affect how the brain gets blood flow.
Genetic issues can also mess with potassium channels in the brain. For example, changes in the KCNA2 gene make these channels not open or close properly. This leads to less potassium leaving neurons, causing extra electrical activity. The result can be seizures, poor coordination, or delays in development. There are types where channels stay open too long, letting too much potassium out, which disrupts normal brain firing and causes more severe symptoms.
On the other side, too much potassium, known as hyperkalemia, usually comes from kidney problems that stop the body from getting rid of extra potassium. High levels mess with nerve impulses and muscle control, including in the brain. Early signs might be mild like nausea or tiredness, but severe cases bring muscle weakness, trouble breathing, or even heart issues that starve the brain of oxygen. In bad situations, it can lead to paralysis or cardiac arrest, both of which harm brain function quickly. Electrolyte imbalances in general, including potassium, can trigger seizures, irregular heartbeats, or confusion because the brain relies on these minerals for steady signals.
Keeping potassium balanced helps the brain stay sharp for focus, memory, and quick reactions. Low levels over time might weaken bones or kidneys, indirectly hurting brain health. Excess can cause headaches or foggy thinking from poor fluid balance. Doctors check blood levels and fix imbalances with diet changes, fluids, or medicines to protect the brain.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12690194/
https://www.kcna2epilepsy.org/the-discovery-of-the-kcna2-variant/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324913
https://www.performancelab.com/blogs/multi/potassium-benefits
https://wellbeingnutrition.com/blogs/sleep-stress-cognition/boost-brain-power-electrolytes-cognitive-guide
https://www.commonspirit.org/conditions-treatments/electrolyte-imbalance
https://www.neuroequilibrium.in/electrolyte-imbalance-dizziness-hydration-for-better-balance-neuroequilibrium/
