Finding
tetany Audio
tet·a·ny [ tet-n-ee ]
Subclass of:
Neuromuscular Manifestations; Hypocalcemia
Definitions related to tetany:
  • A condition characterized by intermittent involuntary contraction of muscles (spasms) related to hypocalcemia or occasionally magnesium deficiency.
    Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)
    The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2025
  • A disorder characterized by muscle twitches, cramps, and carpopedal spasm, and when severe, laryngospasm and seizures. This condition is associated with unstable depolarization of axonal membranes, primarily in the peripheral nervous system. Tetany usually results from HYPOCALCEMIA or reduced serum levels of MAGNESIUM that may be associated with HYPERVENTILATION; HYPOPARATHYROIDISM; RICKETS; UREMIA; or other conditions. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1490)
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Hyperexcitability of nerve and muscle when the concentration of extracellular ionized calcium is decreased.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • Sudden and involuntary contraction of a muscle of group of muscles due to hypocalcemia.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Tetany, condition characterized by rhythmic cramping of the muscles of the hands and feet, muscle twitching, and possible spasms of the larynx, with difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and pain. Tetany results from a metabolic imbalance; it may be caused by too little calcium...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.