Many patients with traumatic brain injuries (including strokes, blood clots, or other brain
injuries) are given concentrated salt water solutions (hypertonic saline) in order to treat
brain swelling (cerebral edema). Current therapies consist of a mixture of sodium and
chloride, which can lead to high levels of serum chloride and increased total body water.
High levels of chloride can cause acidosis, which can cause the body to function
sub-optimally. Therefore, the investigators are proposing to use two concentrated solutions
in these patients at the same time that will allow for a lower total volume of solution
administration and reduce the rise in chloride to prevent acidosis. The main outcome will
therefore be the patients sodium level, chloride level and serum pH.