
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Hypocalcemia history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Clinical presentation of hypocalcemia reflects the serum level of ionized calcium and depends on the severity of any concurrent electrolyte imbalance. Overt symptoms occur when ionized calcium falls below 3.2 mg/dL (0.8 mmol/L). An abrupt fall in the serum calcium level typically manifests as neuromuscular hyperexcitability in the form of tetany and tingling. Patients who develop hypocalcemia gradually may be asymptomatic. In addition to fatigue and muscle weakness, longstanding hypocalcemia is usually associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms.
History and Symptoms
History and Symptoms
The majority of patients with mild hypocalcemia are asymptomatic
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of hypocalcemia include:[1][2][3][4]
Neuromuscular symptoms
- Tetany: which is hallmark of acute hypocalcemia
- Paresthesias or tingling
- Muscle spasms: Muscle twitching and cramping
Central nervous system symptoms
Cardiovascular symptoms
Pulmonary symptoms
Less common symptoms
Less common symptoms of hypocalcemia include[5]
- Cognitive deficits
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Dermatitis
- Dry skin
- Brittle nails
References
References
- ↑ Cooper, Mark S.; Gittoes, Neil J. L. (2008-06-07). “Diagnosis and management of hypocalcaemia”. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 336 (7656): 1298–1302. doi:10.1136/bmj.39582.589433.BE. ISSN 1756-1833. PMC 2413335. PMID 18535072.
- ↑ Macefield G, Burke D (February 1991). “Paraesthesiae and tetany induced by voluntary hyperventilation. Increased excitability of human cutaneous and motor axons”. Brain. 114 ( Pt 1B): 527–40. PMID 2004255.
- ↑ Carroll R, Matfin G (February 2010). “Endocrine and metabolic emergencies: hypocalcaemia”. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 1 (1): 29–33. doi:10.1177/2042018810366494. PMC 3474611. PMID 23148147.
- ↑ Cooper MS, Gittoes NJ (June 2008). “Diagnosis and management of hypocalcaemia”. BMJ. 336 (7656): 1298–302. doi:10.1136/bmj.39582.589433.BE. PMC 2413335. PMID 18535072.
- ↑ Carroll R, Matfin G (February 2010). “Endocrine and metabolic emergencies: hypocalcaemia”. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 1 (1): 29–33. doi:10.1177/2042018810366494. PMC 3474611. PMID 23148147.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Manpreet Kaur, MD [2]
