Understanding Tetany- Causes, Symptoms, and Essential Treatments for NEET Success
Tetany is a medical symptom that happens due to muscle cramps, spasms, etc. It may occur in any muscle of your body, such as the larynx, the calves, the arms or the fingers, etc. The tetany causes and symptoms may be visible in an individual due to multiple reasons.
There are specific medical problems that you can quickly understand how they occur in the body. For instance, heartburn, after having a spicy meal or chills due to getting wet in the rain, has a definite cause. However, tetany disease is something that can leave people wondering, and the doctors, as it occurs due to various conditions.
Causes of Tetany
The tetany causes and symptoms are visible in an individual when he/she faces muscle cramps or shaking of hands and feet, etc. The primary factor responsible for tetany to occur in a human body is a lower level of ionised calcium. However, there are various other causes associated with it as well.
Some of the common causes that are accountable for tetany to occur are-
Excess intake of alcohol or liquor regularly.
Alkalosis (a situation where the pH level of the blood becomes high).
Side effects of medications.
Hyperventilation or excess breathing (occurs when one breathes too fast or deeply). It is directly related to anxiety in a person. As an individual gets excited, the breathing rate increases.
Hypocalcemia is another primary cause of tetany. It occurs in an individual due to the lack of vitamin D or lower calcium levels. Mild hypocalcemia is responsible for causing muscle contraction or cramps, and it can be treated with calcium or vitamin D supplements.
Hypoparathyroidism is another potential cause for the occurrence of tetany in a human being. In such circumstances, there is too little release of secretions from the parathyroid hormone. It is a rare condition, and it occurs mostly because of damage or removal of the parathyroid glands post surgery.
Malnutrition or lack of a balanced diet is another factor responsible for tetany. It happens because diets lack sufficient nutrients, causing loss of immunity and severe health issues.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also result in tetany in the human body. Pregnant mothers often lack nutrients or face a deficiency of vitamins in their body, resulting in tetany.
Pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas causes tetany in a person. The pancreas can get inflamed when enzymes attack the gland itself, causing tissue damage.
Vitamin D deficiency is a significant cause of tetany in the body. Lack of dietary supplements and dairy products can lower vitamin D in a human. It can reduce the strength of a person, and medical attention is essential.
Once you are aware of the tetany causes and symptoms, seek medical advice to cure the disease. Timely care and attention can remove the roots of this disease from the human body and offer a healthy life.
Signs and Symptoms of Tetany
Overstimulation of neuromuscular activity results in the contraction of involuntary muscles. The tetany causes and symptoms become evident in a person primarily if he/she has a low calcium level. However, it may occur in a human body due to various other symptoms, such as-
Cramps in the stomach or sharp abdominal pain can be one of the tetany symptoms.
Vomiting and chronic diarrhoea in a person.
Severe pain in the head for a considerable time.
Lethargy or if one is reluctant to do activities.
Muscle cramps.
Numbness along with lack of consciousness in a person.
Twitching of the hands or fingers.
A tingling sensation in the feet or hands of a person can be an indication of tetany, called Paresthesias.
Spasms of the larynx, also called the voice box (laryngospasm), lead to difficulty in breathing, which causes the production of high-pitched sounds while breathing. This is called laryngeal stridor.
Convulsions or seizures can be a symptom of this disease.
Shortness of breath.
In specific circumstances, tetany may happen in an individual along with other serious symptoms. It may call for emergency medical care if you find these symptoms along with tetany –
Paralysis of a portion of the body.
Loss or change in vision in a person.
Losing clarity in thinking, comprehending.
Difficulty of regaining memory along with incompetency in reading and writing.
Sudden numbness of one portion of a human frame.
Fainting or feeling tired.
Tetany vs Tetanus- Meaning, Key Differences
Tetany is characterised by involuntary muscle contractions (spasms) due to overstimulated nerves. On the other hand, Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Although tetany can occur as one of the symptoms of tetanus, they are not the same. Below is a concise comparison-
How Do Calcium Levels Influence Tetany?
Calcium ion concentration in the blood directly impacts muscle contraction. Here’s a quick breakdown of how calcium drives muscle contraction-
Action Potential Arrival- When an action potential reaches muscle fibers, the sarcoplasmic reticulum releases calcium into the sarcoplasm.
Binding to Troponin- The released calcium binds to the TpC subunit of the troponin protein.
Exposure of Actin Sites- This binding uncovers active sites on actin.
Cross-Bridge Formation- Myosin heads attach to these exposed sites, leading to muscle contraction.
When blood calcium levels drop below normal (hypocalcemia), the increased permeability to sodium (Na+) ions causes recurring depolarisations and repeated muscle contractions—this phenomenon is known as tetany. Such low calcium levels can stem from inadequate parathormone production (hypoparathyroidism) or other endocrine imbalances.
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Endocrine Disorders
Quick Quiz on Tetany and Muscle Contraction
Test your understanding of tetany, muscle physiology, and their clinical implications. Select the correct option for each question-
Which of the following is a primary cause of tetany?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Balanced calcium levels
D. None of the above
In tetanus, the bacteria responsible for producing neurotoxins is-
A. Clostridium botulinum
B. Clostridium tetani
C. Escherichia coli
D. Staphylococcus aureus
What primarily leads to muscle contraction?
A. Release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
B. Release of sodium from the sarcoplasm
C. Decreased permeability to calcium ions
D. Absence of troponin
Which hormone regulates calcium levels in the blood?
A. Thyroxine
B. Parathormone
C. Insulin
D. Glucagon
Answer Key for Quiz on Tetany
B
B
A
B
In some cases, tetany can create a threat to the life of an individual. Such cases should be dealt with utmost care and seriousness. Moreover, seeking immediate medical attention becomes essential if you face common symptoms. If you are someone suffering slurred speech or shaking in your hands or fingers, find medical assistance on an urgent basis. Early detection of the health problem increases the chances of getting cured. Also, it can save your health from facing fatal consequences.
Fun Fact- There is a difference between tetany and tetanus as tetany occurs due to involuntary muscle contraction, whereas tetanus is a human infection.
From the above conversation, we hope you got an understanding of tetany causes and symptoms. To prepare for the NEET examinations, start your day with a positive approach. Also, taking utmost care of your body and mind is necessary. Practise self-healing exercises and yoga, which help you to calm your mind and increase concentration. While learning more facts about tetany disease or any other chapter, do not panic unnecessarily. Go for a long walk or take small breaks to keep exam stress at bay.
Essential Study Materials for NEET UG Success
FAQs on Tetany- Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Effective Treatments for NEET
1. Can tetany be cured?
Tetany itself is usually a symptom indicating an underlying issue (such as calcium deficiency or low parathormone levels). Treating the root cause—like supplementing calcium or correcting hormonal imbalances—generally alleviates tetany.
2. Is tetanus always fatal?
Not necessarily, but prompt medical intervention is crucial. Tetanus can be prevented with vaccination and treated with antitoxin medications, antibiotics, and supportive care.
3. Is Tetany the Same as Muscle Spasms?
While tetany often involves muscle spasms, it specifically refers to a state of heightened neuromuscular excitability, usually caused by low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) or other electrolyte imbalances. Muscle spasms can occur for various reasons, but tetany is typically associated with symptoms such as tingling sensations (paresthesia) and muscle twitching in addition to spasms.
4. Can Low Calcium Levels Alone Cause Tetany?
Yes. Hypocalcemia is a primary contributor to tetany. When calcium levels fall below normal, the neuromuscular membranes become excessively excitable, leading to involuntary muscle contractions. Ensuring a well-balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D helps maintain normal blood calcium levels and may prevent tetany.
5. How is Tetany Diagnosed?
Doctors usually start with a detailed medical history, physical examination, and blood tests to measure electrolyte levels (calcium, magnesium, potassium). Additional investigations like nerve conduction studies may be recommended if the cause is unclear or if there is suspicion of an underlying neurological disorder.
6. What is the Role of Parathormone in Preventing Tetany?
Parathormone (PTH) regulates calcium and phosphate balance in the body. When PTH levels are too low (hypoparathyroidism), blood calcium can drop, increasing the risk of tetany. Identifying and treating hormonal imbalances is crucial for preventing recurrent episodes of tetany.
7. Is Tetany Contagious or Infectious?
No. Tetany is not an infectious condition on its own; it’s generally a symptom stemming from electrolyte disturbances or other underlying conditions. However, in cases of tetanus—an infection caused by Clostridium tetani—tetany can occur as one of the symptoms.
8. Can Tetany be Managed at Home?
Mild tetany due to minor electrolyte imbalances can sometimes be managed at home with dietary adjustments and supplements (calcium, magnesium, vitamin D). However, if you experience severe or persistent spasms, it’s important to seek medical attention to address the underlying cause.
9. Does Vitamin D Deficiency Lead to Tetany?
Yes. Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption. A lack of vitamin D can result in low calcium levels, eventually increasing the risk of tetany. Adequate sunlight exposure and/or supplementation often help maintain normal vitamin D levels.
10. How Does Tetanus Differ from Tetany?
Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by Clostridium tetani, while tetany is a condition characterised by muscle spasms due to electrolyte or hormonal imbalances. Although severe tetanus can exhibit tetany as a symptom, the two are not synonymous and require different treatments.
9. Who is at Higher Risk for Developing Tetany?
Individuals with chronic kidney disease, thyroid or parathyroid gland disorders, or those who follow diets severely lacking in calcium and vitamin D are at increased risk. Preventative measures involve regular check-ups, balanced nutrition, and prompt treatment of any endocrine abnormalities.
10. How Can NEET Aspirants Remember Key Points About Tetany?
NEET students should focus on the physiological mechanisms (especially muscle contraction and ion exchange) and the role of specific hormones like parathormone. Creating mnemonic devices, summarising key facts, and solving multiple-choice questions regularly will reinforce concepts and improve recall.
