Understanding Hypocalcemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hypocalcemia is a condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood, which can lead to symptoms like muscle cramps, numbness, and seizures.

Hypocalcemia FAQ

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What causes hypocalcemia?

Many different health conditions can cause hypocalcemia, and it’s often caused by abnormal levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) or vitamin D in your body. Hypocalcemia can be mild or severe and temporary or chronic (lifelong). Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.

What does hypocalcemia mean?

Hypocalcemia is usually defined as having a corrected total serum calcium of less than 2.12 mmol/L. (“Corrected” just refers to a certain way of measuring calcium that accounts for albumin.) But recognizing that hypocalcemia is present is only the first step.

How is hypocalcemia treated?

Treatment for hypocalcemia will vary based on a number of factors. These include the underlying cause and the severity of the problem. If a person’s calcium suddenly drops very low, they will likely need to receive calcium through an intravenous (IV) line. This can bring up a person’s calcium more quickly than taking calcium orally.

What are the symptoms of hypocalcaemia?

Oral, perioral and acral paresthesias, tingling or 'pins and needles' sensation in and around the mouth and lips, and in the extremities of the hands and feet. This is often the earliest symptom of hypocalcaemia.