Tetany Health Dictionary

Spasms and twitching of the muscles, most commonly in the hands and feet, although the muscles of the face, larynx, or spine may also be affected. The spasms are caused by a biochemical disturbance and are painless at first; if the condition persists, the spasms tend to become increasingly painful. Muscle damage may result if the underlying cause is not treated. The most common underlying cause is hypocalcaemia. Other causes include hypokalaemia, hyperventilation during a panic attack, or, more rarely, hypoparathyroidism.

A condition characterised by SPASM of muscle, usually caused by a fall in blood CALCIUM levels. This results in hyperexcitability of muscles which may go into spasm at the slightest stimulus. This is well demonstrated in two of the classical signs of the disease: Chvostek’s sign, in which the muscles of the face contract when the cheek is tapped over the facial nerve as it emerges on the cheek; and Erb’s sign, in which muscles go into spasm in response to an electrical stimulus which normally causes only a contraction of the muscle. Tetany occurs in newborn babies, especially if they are premature, and in infants; as a result of RICKETS, excessive vomiting, or certain forms of NEPHRITIS. It may also be due to lack of the active principle of the PARATHYROID glands. Overbreathing may also cause it. Treatment consists of the administration of calcium salts, and in severe cases this is done by giving calcium gluconate intravenously or intramuscularly. High doses of vitamin D are also required.

n. spasm and twitching of the muscles, particularly those of the face, hands, and feet. Tetany is usually caused by a reduction in the blood calcium level, which may be due to underactive parathyroid glands, rickets, or *alkalosis.