Hypocalcemia is an abnormally low level of calcium in the blood. It
may be caused by low levels of parathyroid hormone (hypoparathyroidism). Other
causes of hypocalcemia include vitamin D deficiency, kidney failure, acute
pancreatitis, or insufficient magnesium and protein in the blood.
Symptoms often do not occur with mild hypocalcemia. As hypocalcemia
becomes more severe, the following symptoms may develop:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Muscle
cramps, muscle twitching, or seizures
- Inability to detect touch
accompanied by burning, pricking, tickling, or tingling sensation (paresthesia)
of the hands, feet, lips, and tongue
Hypocalcemia is treated by determining and treating the cause of
the low blood calcium. Oral or intravenous calcium is given to restore the
blood level to normal.
