Tetany
Tetany
Tetany (/tɛtəni/), from the Greek tetanos meaning "stretched", is a medical term referring to the involuntary contraction of muscles, which may be caused by disorders that increase the action potential frequency of muscle cells or the nerves that innervate them.
Causes
Tetany can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Hypocalcemia: This is the most common cause of tetany. It refers to low levels of calcium in the blood, which can result from a variety of conditions such as hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and kidney disease.
- Alkalosis: This is a condition in which the body fluids have too much base (alkali). This can occur with prolonged vomiting, gastric suction, and certain kidney diseases.
- Hypomagnesemia: This refers to low levels of magnesium in the blood, which can result from conditions such as malnutrition, alcoholism, and certain medications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tetany can vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include:
- Muscle cramps: These are often the first sign of tetany. They can occur in any muscle, but are most common in the hands and feet.
- Carpopedal spasm: This is a characteristic sign of tetany, involving spasms of the hands and feet.
- Laryngospasm: This is a spasm of the vocal cords, which can lead to difficulty breathing.
Treatment
Treatment for tetany typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve:
- Calcium supplementation: This is often the first line of treatment for tetany caused by hypocalcemia.
- Magnesium supplementation: This may be used for tetany caused by hypomagnesemia.
- Alkali administration: This may be used for tetany caused by alkalosis.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tetany
- Wikipedia's article - Tetany
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