Hyponatremia is a common precipitant of seizures in vulnerable populations; name another electrolyte disturbance or metabolic factor that can provoke seizures in the elderly or dehydrated patients.

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hypermagnesemia
• D. Hypoglycemia

Answer: (D)

When brain energy supply falls, seizures can occur because neurons rely on glucose for ATP to maintain electrical stability. In elderly or dehydrated patients, intake is often limited and stores are reduced, so hypoglycemia can easily develop, making neuronal energy failure a trigger for seizures. It’s also quickly reversible with prompt glucose, which is why this metabolic factor is the best answer in this scenario. Other disturbances like hypocalcemia or hypermagnesemia can cause seizures, but they are less common precipitants in the typical elderly/dehydration setting, and while severe hypernatremia can provoke seizures via osmotic effects, hypoglycemia remains the most direct and testable metabolic trigger in this context.