Chvostek's and Trousseau signs indicate which electrolyte abnormality?

Chvostek's and Trousseau signs indicate which electrolyte abnormality?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hyponatremia

Answer: (B)

Low calcium levels increase nerve and muscle excitability. When calcium is low, nerve membranes become more easily depolarized, leading to spontaneous muscle contractions and tetany. Chvostek’s sign—facial twitch when tapping the facial nerve—and Trousseau’s sign—carpal spasm with a blood pressure cuff—are classic manifestations of this increased irritability due to hypocalcemia. Hypercalcemia would dampen excitability and cause weakness, not these signs, while hyponatremia or hyperkalemia produce different neurologic or cardiac symptoms. So these signs point to hypocalcemia.

Low calcium levels increase nerve and muscle excitability. When calcium is low, nerve membranes become more easily depolarized, leading to spontaneous muscle contractions and tetany. Chvostek’s sign—facial twitch when tapping the facial nerve—and Trousseau’s sign—carpal spasm with a blood pressure cuff—are classic manifestations of this increased irritability due to hypocalcemia. Hypercalcemia would dampen excitability and cause weakness, not these signs, while hyponatremia or hyperkalemia produce different neurologic or cardiac symptoms. So these signs point to hypocalcemia.