Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome

Dialysis is a treatment process that helps people with kidney problems by clearing out the toxins from their blood. Sometimes after dialysis, a person might feel unwell, and this is called dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS).

It happens because dialysis quickly removes a large amount of waste from the blood, including substances like urea, which is a byproduct of protein breakdown. If the levels of these substances in the blood are too high, it can cause symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.

The brain is particularly sensitive to changes in the levels of these substances, and sometimes, when the waste is removed too quickly, it can cause the brain to swell with water, leading to DDS. The symptoms of DDS can be dangerous, so it's important to recognize and treat it quickly.

To prevent DDS, a healthcare provider may adjust the dialysis process to slowly remove waste from the blood over several sessions. Extra measures like using medications to help prevent swelling can also be taken.

Remember, dialysis is an important treatment for people with kidney problems, but it's important to be aware of the risk of DDS and work closely with your healthcare provider to prevent it.