Muscle tetany is a symptom characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and overstimulated peripheral nerves. According to medical references, this condition is primarily caused by imbalances in electrolytes, particularly low levels of calcium in the blood.
Understanding Muscle Tetany
Tetany isn't a disease itself, but rather a sign of an underlying issue. Here's a breakdown:
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Involuntary Muscle Contractions: These can range from mild twitching to severe, painful spasms that can affect various parts of the body.
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Overstimulated Peripheral Nerves: This means the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are firing excessively, leading to the muscle contractions.
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Electrolyte Imbalance: The primary culprit is often low blood calcium. Other imbalances can also contribute.
Common Causes of Tetany
While low calcium is the most common cause, here are other factors:
- Hypocalcemia: Low blood calcium levels, often due to problems with the parathyroid gland, vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, or malabsorption issues.
- Hypomagnesemia: Low levels of magnesium.
- Alkalosis: An overly alkaline state in the body fluids.
- Certain medications: Some drugs can affect electrolyte balance and cause tetany.
Symptoms and How Tetany Presents
Symptoms of tetany may include:
- Muscle spasms, particularly in the hands, feet, and face.
- Tingling and numbness in the extremities and around the mouth (paresthesia).
- Cramping in muscles.
- In severe cases, tetany can cause laryngeal spasms leading to breathing difficulties.
- Carpopedal Spasm which causes contortions of the hands and feet.
When to Seek Help
It's important to consult with your healthcare provider if you think you are experiencing tetany. Severe cases require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing tetany typically involves a physical exam, a review of medical history, and blood tests to check electrolyte levels. Treatment focuses on correcting the underlying cause and managing symptoms. This might involve:
- Supplementing calcium and magnesium.
- Addressing underlying conditions like parathyroid issues.
- IV calcium in severe cases.
- Medications to balance electrolytes.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Symptom of involuntary muscle contractions due to electrolyte imbalance. |
| Primary Cause | Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia). |
| Other Causes | Low magnesium levels, alkalosis, certain medications |
| Symptoms | Muscle spasms, tingling, numbness, cramps, possible breathing issues in severe cases. |
| Treatment | Correcting electrolyte imbalance, calcium/magnesium supplements, addressing underlying issues. |
