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Tetany is a neuromuscular condition characterised by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms, usually in the hands and feet, and is often accompanied by numbness around the mouth. It is caused by electrolyte imbalances in the body, most often a deficiency of calcium (hypocalcemia) in the blood, but can also be caused by low magnesium or potassium levels, or too much alkali in the body. Tetany is not usually life-threatening, but severe cases can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A symptom involving involuntary muscle contractions and overly stimulated peripheral nerves |
| Cause | Electrolyte imbalances, most often low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) |
| Other Causes | Hypomagnesemia, alkalosis, metabolic irregularities, hypoparathyroidism, kidney failure, low blood protein, septic shock, blood transfusions, vitamin D deficiency, magnesium deficiency, low potassium |
| Symptoms | Muscle cramps, spasms of the voice box (laryngospasm), seizures, decreased cardiac function, numbness around the mouth, paresthesias affecting the hands and feet, vomiting, difficulty breathing, sensory disturbances |
| Treatment | Calcium supplements, vitamin D and magnesium supplementation, painkillers, anticonvulsants |
| Prevention | Avoid excessive physical effort, stress, and intense breathing |
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What You'll Learn
Involuntary muscle contractions
Tetany is a symptom characterised by involuntary muscle contractions, also known as muscle cramps or spasms. It is caused by an electrolyte imbalance, most often a deficiency of calcium in the blood, also known as hypocalcemia.
The calcium in the blood helps your nerves work, makes your muscles contract, helps your blood clot if you are bleeding, and helps your heart work properly. Many different health conditions can cause hypocalcemia, such as low levels of parathyroid hormone (hypoparathyroidism) or vitamin D in your body. Other causes of hypocalcemia include kidney failure, problems with the pancreas, low blood protein, septic shock, and some blood transfusions.
Magnesium deficiency or too little potassium can also cause tetany. Magnesium is an important electrolyte that is a key part of many bodily functions. Chronic disease, alcohol use disorder, gastrointestinal issues, kidney issues, and other conditions can cause hypomagnesemia (low blood magnesium).
Having too much alkali (alkalosis) in the body can also result in tetany. An excess of phosphate (high phosphate-to-calcium ratio) can trigger the spasms.
Symptoms of tetany include numbness around the mouth, muscle cramps, and paresthesias affecting the hands and feet. Severe symptoms include difficulty breathing due to muscle spasms of the voice box (laryngospasm), seizures, and decreased cardiac function.
If you suspect you have tetany, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Electrolyte imbalances
Muscle tetany is a symptom characterised by involuntary muscle contractions and overly stimulated peripheral nerves. It is caused by electrolyte imbalances, most often low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia).
Electrolytes are substances that carry an electrical charge when they dissolve in water. Your body is about 60% water, which means nearly every fluid and cell in your body contains electrolytes. They help your body regulate chemical reactions, maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside your cells, and perform a host of other functions. Electrolytes like potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium help your body regulate fluids.
An electrolyte imbalance occurs when certain mineral levels in your blood get too high or too low. This can cause a range of symptoms, including weakness, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, and numbness or tingling in the limbs, fingers, and toes. A slight imbalance may not cause noticeable changes, but a significant imbalance can lead to serious, life-threatening problems like sudden cardiac death.
The types of electrolyte imbalances that can cause tetany include hypocalcemia, which is the most common cause, and hypomagnesemia. Hypocalcemia happens when blood calcium levels are too low, which can be caused by low levels of parathyroid hormone (hypoparathyroidism) or vitamin D. Hypomagnesemia refers to low blood magnesium levels, which can be caused by chronic disease, alcohol use disorder, gastrointestinal issues, kidney issues, and other conditions.
Other electrolyte imbalances that can contribute to tetany include hypokalemia (low potassium), alkalosis (excess alkali in the body), and hypophosphatemia (low phosphate).
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Hypocalcemia
Muscle tetany is a symptom of hypocalcemia, which is a condition characterised by low levels of calcium in the blood. It involves involuntary muscle contractions and overly stimulated peripheral nerves. It can range from mild cramping of the arms or legs to dangerous changes in heart muscle function.
The symptoms of hypocalcemia depend on the severity of the condition. People with mild hypocalcemia may be asymptomatic, while those with severe hypocalcemia can experience tingling in their lips, tongue, fingers, and/or feet, as well as muscle aches and spasms. If left untreated, hypocalcemia can cause life-threatening complications such as seizures and congestive heart failure.
The treatment for hypocalcemia depends on its severity and chronicity. Oral calcium pills or supplements, and vitamin D supplements, are often used to restore calcium levels to normal. In severe cases, intravenous calcium gluconate may be administered in a hospital setting. Synthetic forms of parathyroid hormone may also be prescribed in some cases.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of hypocalcemia, it is important to contact your healthcare provider and seek appropriate treatment.
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Seizures and spasms
Tetany is characterised by involuntary muscle contractions, which can lead to painful muscle cramps, spasms of the voice box (larynx), and sensory disturbances. The condition is caused by electrolyte imbalances, most often low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia).
Tetany can result in seizures, but it is important to note that seizures are not the same as spasms. Seizures are a medical condition characterised by a temporary, uncontrolled surge of electrical activity in the brain. This surge causes the affected brain cells to fire signals uncontrollably to other brain cells, overloading the brain. This overload can lead to a range of symptoms, including uncontrolled muscle movements.
On the other hand, spasms are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can be caused by various factors, including neurological disorders, muscle injuries, or dehydration. Spasms are often associated with tetany, as the condition involves involuntary muscle contractions that can affect different parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and voice box.
The distinction between seizures and spasms is crucial, as they have different underlying causes and treatments. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, while spasms are typically caused by muscle-related issues. In the context of tetany, seizures can occur in severe cases, but spasms are more commonly associated with the condition.
It is important to note that while tetany can lead to seizures in severe cases, it is primarily characterised by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms. These spasms can occur in different parts of the body and can range from mild to severe, with severe cases requiring immediate medical attention.
The treatment for tetany focuses on correcting the underlying electrolyte imbalances, especially low calcium levels. This may involve intravenous calcium replacement, oral calcium supplements, or other supplementary treatments. Additionally, it is important to address any underlying conditions or risk factors that may be contributing to the development of tetany.
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Treatment
Muscle tetany, also known as tetanic seizure, is a medical sign characterised by involuntary muscle contractions and other symptoms that result from electrolyte imbalances. It is caused by low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and can be treated through:
Oral Supplements
Oral calcium supplements, along with vitamin D for absorption, may be required to restore calcium levels. This is a preventative measure for those at risk of developing tetany.
Intravenous Calcium Replacement
Severe cases of tetany require urgent intravenous (IV) calcium replacement. This is the most common treatment approach.
Dialysis
In cases where kidney failure is the underlying cause of tetany, ongoing treatment with dialysis may be required.
Therapy for Underlying Causes
Once the acute episode has been resolved, future management should focus on addressing the underlying cause of tetany. For example, treating hypoparathyroidism, a condition where the body does not produce enough parathyroid hormone, which regulates blood calcium levels.
Magnesium Tablets
Magnesium deficiency is a common cause of treatment-resistant hypocalcemia, so it is important to check magnesium levels during calcium repletion. For the correction of mild hypocalcemia, magnesium tablets may be required.
It is important to note that while these treatments can address the symptoms of tetany, preventing its occurrence often depends on identifying and treating the underlying cause, which can vary from patient to patient.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle tetany is a symptom of involuntary muscle contractions and overly stimulated peripheral nerves.
Muscle tetany is caused by electrolyte imbalances, most often low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia). It can also be caused by magnesium deficiency, too little potassium, or too much alkali (alkalosis) in the body.
Symptoms of muscle tetany include numbness around the mouth, muscle cramps, spasms of the voice box (larynx), and sensory disturbances. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures and decreased cardiac function.
The treatment for muscle tetany involves identifying and treating the underlying cause. In cases of calcium or vitamin D deficiency, supplementation of these substances is recommended. If the calcium deficiency is due to hormonal disorders, treatment for these conditions may be necessary. In severe cases, intravenous (IV) calcium replacement is required.
