Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
Introduction
Tetany is a condition where the nerves that innervate a muscle become too stimulated and cause spasms. Tetanic seizures is another name for tetany.
Manifestations
- Spasms of the wrist (carpal) muscles and an extension of interphalangeal joint (joint between bones of fingers of hands or toes)
- Spasms of the larynx (laryngospasm)
- Convulsion episodes
- Paresthesias are tingling sensations in the distal extremities
- Heart dysfunction, vomiting
Tetany Causes
Hypocalcemia-This condition is characterised by a lower than normal level of calcium plasma. The normal serum calcium concentration for a healthy adult is between 8 and 10.5 mg/dl. Low plasma levels of calcium ions increase neuronal depolarization and increase neuronal excitability.
Occurence of Hypocalcemia
(a) Low levels of parathormone
PTH is a hormone that is released by the parathyroid (Glands located behind thyroid gland). PTH is responsible for maintaining serum calcium levels through its effects on bone, kidneys, and the intestine. Its main function is to raise plasma calcium levels. There are many ways to do this.
It first mobilizes or takes out calcium from the bone to plasma.
It can also increase the absorption of calcium from the food via the intestine, which will increase calcium levels in the plasma.
It can also increase plasma calcium levels by increasing calcium resorption from renal tubules. This increases calcium levels in blood plasma, and decreases it in urine.
A decrease in PTH secretion can be caused by accidental damage to the parathyroid gland or autoimmune diseases.
(b) Hypocalcemia can also be caused by low vitamin D levels
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Lack of sunlight exposure, malnutrition, and other factors can lead to low Vitamin D levels.
(c) Other factors include calcium loss due to kidney or gastrointestinal disease
Low levels in magnesium
Magnesium is vital for PTH synthesis.
Alkalosis
An increased blood pH causes albumin (a blood protein) to bind with plasma calcium. This decreases the availability of calcium ions. Tetany may result from severe alkalosis. Continuous vomiting, loss of gastric acid and increased intake of alkaline foods can all lead to alkalosis.
Clostridium toxin
When clostridium is infected, it releases a neurotoxin that inhibits the release of neurotransmitters. This can cause muscle spasm and increased muscle tone. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw disease, is the disease that causes it.
Hypokalemia
This refers to a decreased blood potassium (K+). We all know that potassium is vital for the repolarization and maintenance of nerve cells. A decrease in potassium can cause tetany.
Treatment for Tetany
- Supplementation with vitamin D intravenous and oral.
- To maintain optimal Mg2+ levels, Magnesium should be administered.
- In case of alkalosis, administration of ammonium chloride and isotonic fluids in an emergency.
- C.infection: Antibiotics and antitoxin. DPT (Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus) is recommended for the prevention of tetanus.
Conclusion
As with most difficult conditions, early discovery and treatment have the greatest effect with regards to your standpoint in regards to tetany. Treating the mineral imbalance early enough can prevent the beginning of extreme indications like seizures and heart issues.
Taking a calcium supplement isn’t probably going to do what’s needed assuming you’re now encountering tetany. Addressing your doctor immediately is the best strategy.
