hypocalcemia symptoms and causes
Symptoms of hypocalcemia arise from lower than normal levels of calcium in the blood. Some affected people, especially if the condition is mild, will not have symptoms. Others may have severe and life-threatening symptoms. Symptoms include numbness and/or tingling of the hands, feet, or lips, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, seizures, facial twitching, muscle weakness, lightheadedness, and slow heartbeat. Psychoemotional symptoms can also be seen, including anxiety, confusion, depression, anger, and hallucinations.
The most common cause of hypocalcemia is hypoparathyroidism, which occurs when the body secretes a less-than-average amount of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Low PTH levels lead to low calcium levels in your body. Hypoparathyroidism can be inherited, or it can be the result of surgical removal of the thyroid gland or cancer of the head and neck. Other causes of hypocalcemia include: not enough calcium or vitamin D in your diet.