Tetany
Type: Symptom
Definition
A condition characterized by involuntary, painful muscle spasms and contractions.
Clinical Details
Calcium is a vital electrolyte required for stabilizing nerve and muscle cell membranes. When blood calcium drops too low (hypocalcemia), the peripheral nerves become dangerously hyper-excitable and fire spontaneously. This triggers severe, involuntary muscle cramps and spasms, most visibly in the hands (carpopedal spasm) and face.