Hypocalcemia can occur after thyroidectomy due to removal of the parathyroid glands. Which signs would indicate hypocalcemia?

Hypocalcemia can occur after thyroidectomy due to removal of the parathyroid glands. Which signs would indicate hypocalcemia?

• A. Chvostek sign
• B. Trousseau sign
• C. Both Chvostek and Trousseau signs
• D. None

Answer: (C)

Hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy often results from loss or injury of the parathyroid glands, which lowers parathyroid hormone and calcium levels. When calcium is low, nerves become more excitable, leading to visible signs of neuromuscular irritability. The Chvostek sign appears as facial muscle twitching when tapping the facial nerve near the parotid gland, reflecting this heightened nerve excitability. The Trousseau sign shows up as carpopedal spasm when a blood pressure cuff is inflated above the systolic pressure, another manifestation of increased neuromuscular irritability from low calcium. Because both signs arise from hypocalcemia, either can be positive, and seeing both suggests calcium deficiency is present. After thyroidectomy, monitoring calcium levels and providing calcium (with vitamin D as needed) is important to prevent tetany and related complications.

Hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy often results from loss or injury of the parathyroid glands, which lowers parathyroid hormone and calcium levels. When calcium is low, nerves become more excitable, leading to visible signs of neuromuscular irritability. The Chvostek sign appears as facial muscle twitching when tapping the facial nerve near the parotid gland, reflecting this heightened nerve excitability. The Trousseau sign shows up as carpopedal spasm when a blood pressure cuff is inflated above the systolic pressure, another manifestation of increased neuromuscular irritability from low calcium. Because both signs arise from hypocalcemia, either can be positive, and seeing both suggests calcium deficiency is present. After thyroidectomy, monitoring calcium levels and providing calcium (with vitamin D as needed) is important to prevent tetany and related complications.