Which metabolic disturbance commonly causes cerebral dysfunction in children?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Hypermagnesemia

Answer: (C)

Brain function depends on a steady glucose supply. When blood glucose falls, brain cells lose their primary energy source, ATP production drops, and neuronal activity falters, leading to altered mental status, irritability, lethargy, seizures, or even coma. In children, especially neonates and young kids, glycogen stores are limited and glucose turnover is rapid, so cerebral dysfunction can develop quickly with hypoglycemia. This makes it the most common metabolic disturbance causing brain dysfunction in pediatric patients. While electrolyte disturbances like hyponatremia can cause brain symptoms and others mainly disrupt neuromuscular or cardiac function, hypoglycemia directly deprives the brain of its essential fuel and presents as altered consciousness or seizures.