Hypocalcemia: Symptoms, Causes & Severity - A Comprehensive Guide

Hypocalcemia is a low level of free calcium in the blood that's most often caused by a thyroid disorder or the absence of parathyroid glands. It causes a range of symptoms and can be lethal, depending on its severity.

Definition

• Hypocalcemia is usually defined as a serum calcium level of less than 9 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl). It can also be defined as an ionized calcium level below 4.5 mg/dl.

Early Symptoms

• The first symptom of hypocalcemia is usually a "pins and needles" sensation in the hands and feet, known formally as parasthesia.

Petechiae

• Petechiae are small red spots on the skin caused by broken capillaries and are a common symptom of hypocalcemia. The petechiae may later develop into a rash.

Trousseau Sign

• Trousseau sign is a spasm in the hand and forearm that occurs when the upper arm is compressed, such as by a blood pressure cuff. Tapping the cheekbone can also elicit similar spasms in the face.

Complications

• Hypocalcemia can result in life-threatening complications such as spasms of the vocal cords and irregular heart rhythms.