Hypocalcemia

A condition in which the blood has too little calcium.

Description

A condition in which the blood has too little calcium.

Overview

Hypocalcemia can be short-lived or last long. Causes include major surgery or illness, lack of vitamin D and calcium in the diet, certain medicines and kidney disease. Newborns can have the condition for several reasons. These include being born too soon or having a mother with a parathyroid gland condition.

Symptoms

Depending on the cause, symptoms might include muscle cramps, seizures, depression, and tingling in the lips and fingers.

Treatments

Treatment might include calcium and vitamin D supplements. If hypocalcemia is caused by an underlying condition, that condition needs treatment.