Tetany: definition, symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What is tetani?

Tetany is a group of symptoms characterized by muscle cramps, spasms, or tremors. This repetitive muscle movement occurs as a result of uncontrolled muscle contractions. Muscle cramps from tetany can be long and painful.

Tetany occurs spontaneously in various forms and can also be produced by the destruction of the parathyroid glands. The intimate relationship between the various forms of tetany and parathyroid glands has been discovered through several studies.

This condition is generally thought to be caused by very low levels of calcium in the blood. However, this condition can also result from a reduction in the ionized plasma calcium fraction without hypocalcemia, as in severe alkalosis (when the blood is very alkaline).

There are several health conditions that you cannot identify. Colds are an obvious condition, as are indigestion after an unpleasant meal.

Tetany is a symptom. Like most symptoms of other conditions, it can be caused by a variety of conditions. In general, tetany involves overly stimulated nervous activity.

This means that it can sometimes be difficult to find out what causes the symptoms to appear. Prevention for this condition depends largely on what caused it.

What does this condition look like?

Over-stimulated nerves cause involuntary muscle cramps and contractions. This is most common in the hands and feet. However, these spasms can extend throughout the body, even to the larynx and cause breathing problems.

In severe episodes, the results of tetany are:

• Gag
• Seizures
• Serious pain
• Heart dysfunction.

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of this condition?

This condition may appear together with other symptoms, which really depend on a disease, disorder, or condition. These symptoms usually affect muscles and other body systems.

Common symptoms that may appear with this condition

Other symptoms of tetany are:

• Stomach pain or stomach cramps
• Chronic diarrhea or difficult to heal
• Distortion of facial expressions (frowning, frowning)
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Muscle ache
• Numb
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• A tingling sensation in the hands or feet
• Finger twitching or trembling

Symptoms that may indicate a serious condition

In some cases, this condition may appear along with other symptoms that may indicate a serious condition. If you have this, you must immediately contact your doctor. May indicate a serious condition, the symptoms of tetany are:

• Fainting or loss of consciousness weakness in the body gets worse
• Loss of muscle coordination
• Vision loss or vision changes
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Severe headache
• Talk shuffling / slurred talk
• Sudden difficulty remembering, speaking, understanding text or speech, writing, or reading
• Sudden weakness or numbness of one side of the body
• Throws up

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

Cause

What causes tetany?

The most common cause of this condition is electrolyte imbalance in the body, mainly caused by hypocalcemia (lack of calcium in the body). However, this condition can also be caused by a deficiency of magnesium or potassium.

For example, hypoparathyroidism is a condition in which the body doesn't make enough parathyroid hormone. This can dramatically lower calcium levels, which can trigger tetany.

Sometimes, kidney failure or problems with the pancreas can interfere with calcium levels in the body. Low blood protein, septic shock, and some blood transfusions can also affect calcium levels in the blood.

Sometimes, toxins can also cause tetany. For example, botulinum toxin, which is found in rotten food or soil bacteria, enters the body through cuts or injuries.

Conditions of acidosis (high blood acid levels) or alkalosis (high blood alkaline levels) can also cause tetany.

Other common causes of tetany are:

• Alcohol dependence
• Hyperventilation
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Malnutrition
• Certain side effects of drugs
• Pancreatitis
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Vitamin D deficiency

In some cases, this condition can be a sign of a serious condition that can be fatal. So, you need to be treated as quickly as possible at the nearest hospital emergency room. This includes:

• Acute renal failure
• Acute pancreatitis
• Stroke

What complications can I have with this condition?

Because this condition can indicate a serious condition, failed treatment can lead to serious complications and permanent damage.

Once the cause is diagnosed, it is necessary to closely follow the treatment plan that your doctor proposes. This is useful for reducing the risk of complications. The complications of tetany are:

• Brain damage
• Kidney failure
• Organ failure
• Lame
• Coma.

Diagnosis

Tetani is diagnosed by a doctor with a basic physical exam and checking your medical history. Your doctor may ask a number of these things of you:

• How long have you had this condition?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• Which parts of the body are affected by tetany?
• Is your condition recurrent?
• Are there any other symptoms?

According to an article published in the Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology, tetany can be a form of various disorders, such as hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, and HV syndrome.

Doctors must be critical in diagnosing this condition and treating the underlying cause, rather than treating only the manifestation of the disease.

Treatment

How is tetany treated?

The doctor can usually immediately find out what is causing your tetany through the symptoms that appear, so he can start treatment immediately. The very first step that may be taken is to restore the body's electrolyte balance, for example by taking calcium or magnesium supplements either by injection or orally (taken by mouth).

Once the diagnosis of the cause of tetany has been confirmed, the doctor can continue treatment according to the cause. If the tetany is caused by a tumor of the parathyroid gland, for example, doctors can remove the tumor surgically.

In some cases, such as renal failure, routine oral calcium supplementation can be added to the main course of treatment.

As with most serious conditions, early detection and treatment will make a significant difference to your recovery. Treating mineral imbalances can prevent symptoms of severe conditions, such as seizures and heart problems.

Taking calcium supplements will not be enough to treat this condition.

Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.