tetany
Noun: A clinical neurological syndrome characterized by involuntary muscular twitching, cramps, and, in severe cases, seizures. It is associated with metabolic disturbances, most commonly calcium deficiency (often due to hypoparathyroidism), vitamin D deficiency, or alkalosis.
The term is used in medical contexts to describe a specific condition of heightened neuromuscular activity resulting from an electrolyte imbalance. - Tetany is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. - The patient's symptoms were consistent with tetany.
- The veterinarian diagnosed the cow with milk fever, a form of caused by low blood calcium.
- Chronic kidney disease can sometimes lead to due to altered calcium and phosphate metabolism.
- A key sign of is the contraction of hand muscles when a blood pressure cuff is inflated (Trousseau's sign).
- Latent Tetany: A state where the characteristic muscle spasms are not spontaneously present but can be triggered by specific maneuvers or tests, such as hyperventilation or the application of a tourniquet (eliciting Trousseau's sign or Chvostek's sign).
- Tetanic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of tetany or a tetanus-like state of sustained muscle contraction.
- The patient exhibited tetanic spasms.
- Hyperexcitability (of nerves/muscles): A general term for the underlying physiological state.
- Carpopedal spasm: A specific manifestation of tetany affecting the hands and feet.
Note: While 'tetany' shares a root with 'tetanus' (the infectious disease caused by Clostridium tetani), they are distinct medical conditions. Both involve muscle spasms, but their causes and clinical courses are different.
- clinical neurological syndrome characterized by muscular twitching and cramps and (when severe) seizures; associated with calcium deficiency (hypoparathyroidism) or vitamin D deficiency or alkalosis