Lower than normal levels of magnesium in the circulating blood

Symptoms of Hypomagnesemia

The following features are indicative of Hypomagnesemia:
  • abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
  • convulsions
  • fatigue
  • muscle spasms
  • muscle cramps
  • muscle weakness
  • numbness
  • abnormal heart rhythms
  • increased irritability of the nervous system
  • paresthesias
  • palpitations
  • hypokalemia
  • hypoparathyroidism
  • athetosis
  • jerking
  • nystagmus
  • extensor plantar reflex
  • confusion
  • disorientation
  • hallucinations
  • depression
  • hypertension
  • fast heart rate
  • tremors
It is possible that Hypomagnesemia shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

Get TabletWise Pro

Thousands of Classes to Help You Become a Better You.

Common Causes of Hypomagnesemia

The following are the most common causes of Hypomagnesemia:
  • not enough magnesium in the diet
  • intestines are not absorbing enough magnesium
  • kidneys are excreting too much magnesium
  • genetic mutations in SLC12A3, CLNCKB, CLDN16, CLDN19, SARS2, TRPM6 or CNNM2

Risk Factors for Hypomagnesemia

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Hypomagnesemia:
  • alcohol use
  • burns that affect a large area of the body
  • chronic diarrhea
  • polyuria
  • hypercalcemia
  • hyperaldosteronism
  • celiac disease
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • malnutrition
  • excessive sweating
  • polyuria

Prevention of Hypomagnesemia

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Hypomagnesemia. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • counsume magnesemia-rich diet including green vegetables, seafood, cocoa derivatives, nuts, wheat, and meat

Occurrence of Hypomagnesemia

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Hypomagnesemia cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Hypomagnesemia can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Hypomagnesemia can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Hypomagnesemia

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Hypomagnesemia:
  • Blood test: To measure magnesium level in the blood
  • ECG (Electrocardiography): It reveals a tachycardia with a prolonged QT interval due to hypomagnesemia
  • Urine test: To measure magnesium level in the urine sample

Complications of Hypomagnesemia if untreated

Yes, Hypomagnesemia causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Hypomagnesemia is left untreated:
  • cardiac arrest
  • respiratory arrest
  • can be fatal

Self-care for Hypomagnesemia

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Hypomagnesemia:
  • Magnesemia-rich diet: Consuming diet including green vegetables, seafood, cocoa derivatives, nuts, wheat, and meat help restore depleted magnesium

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Hypomagnesemia.

Sign Up



Share

Share with friends, get 20% off
Invite your friends to TabletWise learning marketplace. For each purchase they make, you get 20% off (upto $10) on your next purchase.