tetany

[ tet-n-ee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Pathology.

a state marked by severe, intermittent tonic contractions and muscular pain, due to abnormal calcium metabolism.

tetany

/ ˈtɛtənɪ /

pathol an abnormal increase in the excitability of nerves and muscles resulting in spasms of the arms and legs, caused by a deficiency of parathyroid secretion

Origin of tetany¹

From the New Latin word tetania, dating back to 1880–85. See tetanus, -y ³

Origin of tetany¹

C19: from French tétanie. See tetanus

Trousseau's sign is the production of tetany by applying firm and prolonged pressure to the brachial nerve in the upper arm.

Convulsions, laryngismus stridulus, tetany, or carpopedal spasm are all frequently met with.

When tetany follows operations for goitre it is due to the removal of these glands.

Gerhardt looks upon rachitis as one of the causes of tetany.

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