Tetany Syndrome: A New Stress Epidemic?

Do you feel tingling in your feet and hands? Are your muscles constantly twitching? Does your heart skip a beat, and do restless legs keep you up at night? You may experience something called tetany.

Tetany, or tetany syndrome, is a condition that manifests itself in increased neuromuscular excitability. It typically develops in individuals experiencing high levels of stress and can provoke a variety of unpleasant sensations and physical symptoms.

So, what exactly causes tetany? How is it diagnosed? Can you treat tetany? In this article, we will answer these questions, and also give you tips on how to prevent it.

Causes of tetany

While each patient represents a separate case and it’s impossible to say what exactly causes the syndrome in general, in the majority of cases, tetany is caused by a magnesium deficiency, which is often triggered by stress.

Research shows Gen Z is the most stressed generation ever, and it is no wonder the syndrome is sometimes informally referred to as the “diagnosis of the young”.

Apart from stress, other causes of tetany include:

• Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels),
• Hypokalemia (low potassium levels),
• Metabolic alkalosis (an excess of pH in the blood),
• Respiratory alkalosis (caused by hyperventilation and decreased carbon dioxide levels).

To find out about the cause, the specialist usually starts by performing a blood test to uncover the possible electrolyte deficiencies. 

Symptoms of tetany

Symptoms of tetany can be really annoying. As we talk about neuro-muscular syndrome, twitching, spasms, and heart palpitations are among the most common among the affected. 

Moreover, insufficient magnesium in the body often causes fatigue, lack of focus, and brain fog. People with a worse form of tetany can feel like passing out or experience uncomfortable panic and anxiety attacks due to the physiological effects of hyperventilation.

More unusual symptoms of tetany include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Spasms of the voice box
• Airway tightening known as bronchospasm

How is tetany diagnosed?

Tetany is examined by a neurologist, who performs a simple, pain-free electromyography (EMG) test. This is a non-invasive method that involves monitoring muscle activity with small electrodes placed on the hand.

Another form of diagnostics is the needle EMG test, which involves small needles inserted into the muscle. You might be asked to flex or lift your muscles, and the test doesn’t take longer than a minute or two.

Tetany itself is diagnosed when the neurologist spots excessive muscle contractions, also called doublets, triplets, and multiplets, on the monitor. The doctor can also check for Chvostek or Trousseau signs typical for the syndrome using a reflex hammer.

There are 2 types of tetany a neurologist can identify:

• Latent tetany – caused by magnesium deficiency and hyperventilation with milder symptoms
• Manifest tetany – a rare form caused by hypocalcemia with more severe symptoms.

Treatment

Good news is—tetany can be treated. The treatment usually includes taking supplements, developing healthier lifestyle, and according to individual issues, the neurologist can recommend a psychotherapy or a psychiatrist. 

Taking supplements

Once your neurologist checks for possible imbalances, you’ll be prescribed supplements according to your needs.

As for magnesium, different patients react to different forms of it in different ways. That’s why you might need to try taking magnesium in multiple forms before your symptoms improve. There’s organic, inorganic magnesium, magnesium pills, powder-based supplements, or even magnesium injections if your body struggles with absorption. 

Typically, the neurologist will prescribe a B-complex vitamin and a coenzyme Q10 to take together with magnesium for better absorbability, and to improve nervous system function.

Of course, the supplements are a matter of each individual case.

Slowing down and approaching a healthy lifestyle

It’s important to remember tetany syndrome tends to develop under prolonged stress or after a high-stress situation. As a result, lifestyle change might be essential for treatment.

Tension and stress can result from something as simple as not organizing your day well. Think about what your regular day looks like. Maybe you’re stressed at work or school, run home to cook and do the household chores, and then waste your free time playing free casino games or watching random YouTube videos, leaving you with no space to actually relax your mind. 

How about the nutrients? Do you eat processed food? What do your meals contain? A balanced diet is a key to success when it comes to living a tetany-free life. Also, coffee and alcohol should be taken in moderation if at all. After all, it depends on the individual and just because something works for someone doesn’t mean it will work for everyone.

Psychological or psychiatric help

Learning about how to manage stress, the possible relaxation techniques, and opening to a professional can help get rid of tetany. That’s why neurologists sometimes recommend psychological help, and tetany ends up being treated with antidepressants. 

Sometimes, a particular situation from the past you haven’t yet dealt with could have provoked the development of tetany. Sorting this out with a professional can make a big difference to your well-being.