Hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia is low calcium levels in the

blood serum

. The normal range is 2.1–2.6 mmol/L (8.8–10.7 mg/dl, 4.3–5.2 mEq/L) with levels less than 2.1 mmol/l defined as hypocalcemia. Mildly low levels that develop slowly often have no symptoms. Common causes include

hypoparathyroidism

and vitamin D deficiency.
Over time, hypocalcemia can affect the brain and cause neurologic or psychologic symptoms, such as confusion, memory loss, delirium, depression, and hallucinations. These symptoms disappear if the calcium level is restored.
Symptoms

Muscle cramps

  • Carpopedal spasm

common

Numbness or tingling around the mouth

or Numbness or tingling in hand

or Numbness or tingling in shoulders arms or hands

or Numbness or tingling in legs, feet, or buttocks

common

A sudden and temporary alteration of muscle tone, movements or behavior

  • Lasting 15 minutes or more, Lasting less than 15 minutes

  • More than a single episode in a 24 hours, Single episode in 24 hours

  • Focal, Generalized

common

Fatigue

common

Irregular heartbeat

Low blood pressure

Feeling agitated

or Child is constantly crying

Strained voice

or Swallowing difficulties

Cough with mucus or without mucus

or Whistling breathing

Feeling moody

or Anxiety

or Depression

Shaking

  • Resting

Risk factors

Vitamin D deficiency

Too little parathyroid hormone

Acute pancreatitis

Treatment
In patients with acute symptomatic hypocalcemia, intravenous (IV) calcium gluconate is the preferred therapy, whereas chronic hypocalcemia is treated with oral calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Recommended specialist

If you have Hypocalcemia, then visit a general internist as soon as possible.

Contact a

General internist

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