An endocrine disorder characterized by decreased production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands. It is usually caused by damage of the parathyroid glands during head and neck surgery. Signs and symptoms include muscle cramps, abdominal pain, dry skin, brittle nails, cataracts, tetany, and convulsions.
Symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism
The following features are indicative of Hypoparathyroidism:
muscle aches or cramps in your legs, feet, abdomen or face
dry, coarse skin
tingling or burning in fingertips, toes and lips
fatigue
twitching or spasms of your muscles
brittle nails
patchy hair loss
depression
painful menstruation
It is possible that Hypoparathyroidism shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Hypoparathyroidism
The following are the most common causes of Hypoparathyroidism:
when parathyroid glands don't secrete enough parathyroid hormone
post-surgical hypoparathyroidism
hereditary hypoparathyroidism
autoimmune disease
low levels of magnesium in the blood
extensive cancer radiation treatment of the face or neck
Risk Factors for Hypoparathyroidism
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Hypoparathyroidism:
family history of hypoparathyroidism
recent neck surgery
Addison's disease
Prevention of Hypoparathyroidism
No, it is not possible to prevent Hypoparathyroidism.
family history
autoimmune disease
Occurrence of Hypoparathyroidism
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Hypoparathyroidism cases seen each year worldwide:
Common between 1 - 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Hypoparathyroidism can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Hypoparathyroidism can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Hypoparathyroidism
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Hypoparathyroidism:
Blood tests: To diagnose the hypoparathyroidism
Urine test: To determine the cause of hypoparathyroidism
Doctor for Diagnosis of Hypoparathyroidism
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism:
Endocrinologist
Complications of Hypoparathyroidism if untreated
Yes, Hypoparathyroidism causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Hypoparathyroidism is left untreated:
paresthesias
grand mal seizures
impaired kidney function
tetany
malformed teeth
heart arrhythmias
cataracts
slow mental development in children
short stature
fainting
Self-care for Hypoparathyroidism
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Hypoparathyroidism:
Intake of diet rich in calcium: Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, broccoli and foods with added calcium should be taken, normalize levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body
Avoid carbonated soft drinks: Limit meats, hard cheeses, whole grains and carbonated soft drinks, relieves the symptoms of the condition
Time for Treatment of Hypoparathyroidism
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Hypoparathyroidism to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced