Hypocalcemia

This article has been reviewed by the NeuroWiki Editorial Board

1. Seen at serum levels < 8 mg/dL
2. Causes: hypoalbuminemia, hypomagnesemia, hyperphosphatemia, medication effect, parathyroid deficiency or resistance, vitamin D deficiency or resistance, pancreatitis, renal failure, osteoblastic malignancy, infiltrative disorders (sarcoidosis, TB, or hemochromatosis)
3. Symptoms: perioral numbness and tingling, hyperactive tendon reflexes, muscle and abdominal cramps, tetany, seizures, prolongation of QT interval, positive Chvostek’s sign (contraction of the facial muscles in response to a tap over the facial nerve in front of the ear) and Trousseau's sign ( inflation of the blood pressure cuff above the systolic pressure casues ulnar/median ischemia with carpal spasm), seizures, calcifications of the basal ganglia/cerebellum/cerebrum, increased phosphate levels
4. Treatment
   1. mild forms: oral repletion
   2. severe forms: IV calcium gluconate or calcium chloride