<P> When an unconscious person is being fed intravenously (for example, total parenteral nutrition) or via a nasogastric tube, the fluids given must be carefully balanced in composition to match fluids and electrolytes lost . These fluids are typically hypertonic, and so water is often co-administered . If the electrolytes are not monitored (even in an ambulatory patient), either hypernatremia or hyponatremia may result . </P> <P> Some neurological / psychiatric medications (Oxcarbazepine, among others) have been found to cause hyponatremia in some patients . Patients with diabetes insipidus are particularly vulnerable due to rapid fluid processing . </P> <P> At the onset of this condition, fluid outside the cells has an excessively low amount of solutes, such as sodium (hyponatremia) and other electrolytes, in comparison to fluid inside the cells, causing the fluid to move into the cells to balance its concentration . This causes the cells to swell . In the brain, this swelling increases intracranial pressure (ICP), which leads to the first observable symptoms of water intoxication: headache, personality changes, changes in behavior, confusion, irritability, and drowsiness . These are sometimes followed by difficulty breathing during exertion, muscle weakness & pain, twitching, or cramping, nausea, vomiting, thirst, and a dulled ability to perceive and interpret sensory information . As the condition persists, papillary and vital signs may result including bradycardia and widened pulse pressure . The cells in the brain may swell to the point where blood flow is interrupted resulting in cerebral edema . Swollen brain cells may also apply pressure to the brain stem causing central nervous system dysfunction . Both cerebral edema and interference with the central nervous system are dangerous and could result in seizures, brain damage, coma or death . </P> <P> Water intoxication can be prevented if a person's intake of water does not grossly exceed their losses . Healthy kidneys are able to excrete approximately 800 millilitres to 1 litre of fluid water (0.21 - 0.26 gallons) per hour . However, stress (from prolonged physical exertion), as well as disease states, can greatly reduce this amount . </P>

How many gallons of water to drown yourself