Tetany: Signs, Causes, And Treatments

Tetany: Signs, Causes, And Treatments

Write short note on tetany

Answer. Tetany is a condition where is hyperexcitability of peripheral nerves.

Tetany Etiology

• It occur due the decrease in calcium level in blood.
• After thyroidectomy, there is decreased level of parathormone in the blood which leads to hypocalcemia. It is temporary and lasts for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Other causes are neck dissection, hemochromatosis, Wil-son’s disease, and DiGeorge syndrome.
• Severe vomiting, and hyperventilation associated with respiratory alkalosis.
• Metabolic alkalosis.
• Rickets, osteomalacia.
• Chronic renal failure.
• Acute pancreatitis

“Causes Of Tetany In The Body”

Tetany Clinical Features

• The fist symptoms of tetany are tingling and numbness in the face, fingers, and toes.
• Cramps are present in hand and feet.
• Stridor is the dangerous complication of severe tetany due to spasm of muscles of respiration.
• Spasm of intra-ocular muscles lead to blurring of vision.

“Understanding The Causes Of Tetany”

“Best Ways To Prevent Tetany”

Carpopedal spasm or Trousseau’s sign:

• It occurs in extreme cases and latent tetany.
• Armisflxedatelbow, wrist, and metacarpophalangeal joints but the inter-phalangeal joints are extended.
• Thumb means towards the palm.

“Tips To Prevent Complications From Tetany”

Chvostek’s sign:

• It also occurs in latent tetany.
• It indicates facial hyperexcitability.
• If a tap is given to facial nerve infront of ear, *twitching of eyelids,
• corners of mouth takes place.

Laryngeal spasm:

• Increased excitability of the laryngeal muscles produces laryngeal
• spasm.
• This leads to blockage of respiratory passage and death may occur.
• Convulsions can occur in infants.

“Risk Factors For Developing Tetany”

Tetany Diagnosis

• It is confimed by estimating serum calcium level which is less than 7 mg%.

“The Role Of Blood Tests In Diagnosing Tetany”

Tetany Management

• Serum calcium estimation is done. It will be less than 7mg%.
• IV calcium gluconate 10% 10 mL 6 to 8 hourly is given.
• Later oral calcium (1 g TDS) with vitamin D supplementation (1–3 µg daily).
• Follow-up at regular intervals by doing serum calcium level
• Magnesium sulphate supportive therapy is also often needed—l0 mL 10% magnesium sulphate intravenously.