Tetany: A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Tetany is a disorder of increased neuronal excitability usually associated with hypocalcemia. We report a patient with typical tetanic cramps and carpopedal spasm in the postoperative period, despite normal serum concentrations of calcium, which responded to intravenous infusion of calcium.

Keywords

• Alkalosis
• hyperventilation syndrome
• hypocalcemia
• hypomagnesemia
• tetany