Tetany syndrome (tetany)
Tetany syndrome is a state of increased neuromuscular excitability that shows up as numbness, muscle cramps and a whole range of non-specific problems. It is often linked to magnesium deficiency and long-term stress, which is why it is also described as a lifestyle disease of our time. Diagnosis belongs in the hands of a neurologist – at our practice in Bratislava we confirm it with an EMG examination and set up treatment.
- EMG diagnostics led by MUDr. Michal Kozmon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in EMG
- EMG examination including tetany tests right in the practice
- No referral needed, an appointment usually within a few days
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What tetany syndrome is
Tetany is a state in which the nerves and muscles overreact to stimuli – they are “over-excitable”. We distinguish manifest tetany with obvious cramps, which is usually the result of a marked drop in blood calcium (for example with a parathyroid disorder), and the far more common latent tetany, in which mineral levels are normal or only slightly reduced and the problems are triggered mainly by stress and magnesium deficiency.
Latent tetany most often affects younger people, and women considerably more often. The problems typically get worse in stressful situations and with hyperventilation – rapid breathing, which changes the body’s internal environment and further increases the excitability of the nerves. This creates a vicious circle: anxiety leads to rapid breathing, which leads to numbness and cramps, which deepen the anxiety further.
Symptoms of tetany syndrome
The signs are varied and are often wrongly attributed to the heart, the thyroid or the psyche.
- Numbness and pins and needles around the mouth, in the fingers and toes
- Muscle cramps – typically the hand cramping into the "obstetrician's hand" shape, calf cramps
- A feeling of a lump or tightness in the throat, difficulty swallowing
- Palpitations, pressure in the chest, a feeling of being short of breath
- Fatigue, irritability, anxiety, sleep and concentration problems
- Worsening of the problems under stress, agitation or rapid breathing
Causes of tetany
The most common cause of latent tetany is magnesium deficiency, or an imbalance of calcium and other minerals, combined with long-term stress and hyperventilation. Magnesium deficiency is contributed to by an unsuitable diet, excessive sweating during sport, certain medications and increased consumption under stress. Hormonal changes also play a role, which is why in women the problems often vary over the course of the cycle.
Manifest tetany with severe cramps is usually caused by an actual drop in blood calcium – for example with a parathyroid disorder or a severe vitamin D deficiency. That is why diagnosis always includes laboratory tests to tell these conditions apart, or a referral for an endocrinological examination.
Diagnosis – clinical tests and EMG
During the clinical examination we look for signs of increased neuromuscular excitability – these include Chvostek’s sign (twitching of the facial muscles when the facial nerve is tapped) and Trousseau’s sign (cramping of the hand after a blood pressure cuff is inflated on the arm). We add laboratory tests of magnesium, calcium and other parameters.
The key examination is EMG – electromyography with the so-called ischemic test: after the forearm is briefly constricted with a cuff, followed by hyperventilation, patients with tetany show typical repetitive activity of the muscle fibers on the recording. We perform the examination right in the practice and can objectively confirm the diagnosis with it.
Treating tetany syndrome
Tetany is a very treatable condition – treatment combines mineral replacement with stress management.
Magnesium and vitamins
Longer-term use of magnesium at a higher dose, with vitamin B6 and vitamin D as needed. We set the dosage according to the problems and the laboratory results.
Working with breathing and stress
Practicing calm breathing during an episode of numbness and adjusting lifestyle habits – managing stress is a condition for lasting improvement.
Ruling out other causes
Laboratory tests and EMG tell latent tetany apart from parathyroid disorders, epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
Follow-ups and monitoring
We monitor the effectiveness of treatment at follow-ups; if a hormonal cause is suspected, we direct you to an endocrinological examination.
Book on +421 948 687 667 – an appointment within a few days.
Frequently asked questions about tetany syndrome
Latent tetany is not life-threatening, but it can significantly reduce quality of life – mainly because its signs resemble heart or other serious conditions and unsettle the patient. The correct diagnosis and treatment usually ease the problems considerably.
By a combination of clinical tests (Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs), laboratory tests of minerals and, above all, an EMG examination with the ischemic test, which objectively demonstrates the increased neuromuscular excitability. We perform all these examinations at our practice.
The examination is well tolerated. It includes briefly constricting the forearm with a blood pressure cuff and rapid breathing, which can cause temporary numbness – that is part of the test and passes quickly once it is over. We explain the detailed procedure to you before the examination.
Many patients get short-term relief from it, but without confirming the diagnosis and adjusting the dosage the effect tends to be incomplete. It is also important to rule out other causes of the problems and to work on stress and breathing – magnesium alone usually does not break the vicious circle of tetany.
Yes, especially more pronounced episodes of numbness and cramps can resemble an epileptic seizure. In tetany, however, the patient does not lose consciousness. A detailed medical history and an EMG examination make the distinction possible.
Related topics
EMG examination
Electromyography with the ischemic test is the key examination for confirming tetany.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Troubled by numbness, cramps or palpitations under stress?
Book a neurological examination in Bratislava – we confirm tetany with an EMG examination and set up effective treatment.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Tetany syndrome (tetany)
Tetany syndrome is a state of increased neuromuscular excitability that shows up as numbness, muscle cramps and a whole range of non-specific problems. It is often linked to magnesium deficiency and long-term stress, which is why it is also described as a lifestyle disease of our time. Diagnosis belongs in the hands of a neurologist – at our practice in Bratislava we confirm it with an EMG examination and set up treatment.
- EMG diagnostics led by MUDr. Michal Kozmon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in EMG
- EMG examination including tetany tests right in the practice
- No referral needed, an appointment usually within a few days
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What tetany syndrome is
Tetany is a state in which the nerves and muscles overreact to stimuli – they are “over-excitable”. We distinguish manifest tetany with obvious cramps, which is usually the result of a marked drop in blood calcium (for example with a parathyroid disorder), and the far more common latent tetany, in which mineral levels are normal or only slightly reduced and the problems are triggered mainly by stress and magnesium deficiency.
Latent tetany most often affects younger people, and women considerably more often. The problems typically get worse in stressful situations and with hyperventilation – rapid breathing, which changes the body’s internal environment and further increases the excitability of the nerves. This creates a vicious circle: anxiety leads to rapid breathing, which leads to numbness and cramps, which deepen the anxiety further.
Symptoms of tetany syndrome
The signs are varied and are often wrongly attributed to the heart, the thyroid or the psyche.
- Numbness and pins and needles around the mouth, in the fingers and toes
- Muscle cramps – typically the hand cramping into the "obstetrician's hand" shape, calf cramps
- A feeling of a lump or tightness in the throat, difficulty swallowing
- Palpitations, pressure in the chest, a feeling of being short of breath
- Fatigue, irritability, anxiety, sleep and concentration problems
- Worsening of the problems under stress, agitation or rapid breathing
Causes of tetany
The most common cause of latent tetany is magnesium deficiency, or an imbalance of calcium and other minerals, combined with long-term stress and hyperventilation. Magnesium deficiency is contributed to by an unsuitable diet, excessive sweating during sport, certain medications and increased consumption under stress. Hormonal changes also play a role, which is why in women the problems often vary over the course of the cycle.
Manifest tetany with severe cramps is usually caused by an actual drop in blood calcium – for example with a parathyroid disorder or a severe vitamin D deficiency. That is why diagnosis always includes laboratory tests to tell these conditions apart, or a referral for an endocrinological examination.
Diagnosis – clinical tests and EMG
During the clinical examination we look for signs of increased neuromuscular excitability – these include Chvostek’s sign (twitching of the facial muscles when the facial nerve is tapped) and Trousseau’s sign (cramping of the hand after a blood pressure cuff is inflated on the arm). We add laboratory tests of magnesium, calcium and other parameters.
The key examination is EMG – electromyography with the so-called ischemic test: after the forearm is briefly constricted with a cuff, followed by hyperventilation, patients with tetany show typical repetitive activity of the muscle fibers on the recording. We perform the examination right in the practice and can objectively confirm the diagnosis with it.
Treating tetany syndrome
Tetany is a very treatable condition – treatment combines mineral replacement with stress management.
Magnesium and vitamins
Longer-term use of magnesium at a higher dose, with vitamin B6 and vitamin D as needed. We set the dosage according to the problems and the laboratory results.
Working with breathing and stress
Practicing calm breathing during an episode of numbness and adjusting lifestyle habits – managing stress is a condition for lasting improvement.
Ruling out other causes
Laboratory tests and EMG tell latent tetany apart from parathyroid disorders, epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
Follow-ups and monitoring
We monitor the effectiveness of treatment at follow-ups; if a hormonal cause is suspected, we direct you to an endocrinological examination.
Book on +421 948 687 667 – an appointment within a few days.
Frequently asked questions about tetany syndrome
Latent tetany is not life-threatening, but it can significantly reduce quality of life – mainly because its signs resemble heart or other serious conditions and unsettle the patient. The correct diagnosis and treatment usually ease the problems considerably.
By a combination of clinical tests (Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs), laboratory tests of minerals and, above all, an EMG examination with the ischemic test, which objectively demonstrates the increased neuromuscular excitability. We perform all these examinations at our practice.
The examination is well tolerated. It includes briefly constricting the forearm with a blood pressure cuff and rapid breathing, which can cause temporary numbness – that is part of the test and passes quickly once it is over. We explain the detailed procedure to you before the examination.
Many patients get short-term relief from it, but without confirming the diagnosis and adjusting the dosage the effect tends to be incomplete. It is also important to rule out other causes of the problems and to work on stress and breathing – magnesium alone usually does not break the vicious circle of tetany.
Yes, especially more pronounced episodes of numbness and cramps can resemble an epileptic seizure. In tetany, however, the patient does not lose consciousness. A detailed medical history and an EMG examination make the distinction possible.
Related topics
EMG examination
Electromyography with the ischemic test is the key examination for confirming tetany.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Troubled by numbness, cramps or palpitations under stress?
Book a neurological examination in Bratislava – we confirm tetany with an EMG examination and set up effective treatment.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Tetany syndrome (tetany)
Tetany syndrome is a state of increased neuromuscular excitability that shows up as numbness, muscle cramps and a whole range of non-specific problems. It is often linked to magnesium deficiency and long-term stress, which is why it is also described as a lifestyle disease of our time. Diagnosis belongs in the hands of a neurologist – at our practice in Bratislava we confirm it with an EMG examination and set up treatment.
- EMG diagnostics led by MUDr. Michal Kozmon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in EMG
- EMG examination including tetany tests right in the practice
- No referral needed, an appointment usually within a few days
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What tetany syndrome is
Tetany is a state in which the nerves and muscles overreact to stimuli – they are “over-excitable”. We distinguish manifest tetany with obvious cramps, which is usually the result of a marked drop in blood calcium (for example with a parathyroid disorder), and the far more common latent tetany, in which mineral levels are normal or only slightly reduced and the problems are triggered mainly by stress and magnesium deficiency.
Latent tetany most often affects younger people, and women considerably more often. The problems typically get worse in stressful situations and with hyperventilation – rapid breathing, which changes the body’s internal environment and further increases the excitability of the nerves. This creates a vicious circle: anxiety leads to rapid breathing, which leads to numbness and cramps, which deepen the anxiety further.
Symptoms of tetany syndrome
The signs are varied and are often wrongly attributed to the heart, the thyroid or the psyche.
- Numbness and pins and needles around the mouth, in the fingers and toes
- Muscle cramps – typically the hand cramping into the "obstetrician's hand" shape, calf cramps
- A feeling of a lump or tightness in the throat, difficulty swallowing
- Palpitations, pressure in the chest, a feeling of being short of breath
- Fatigue, irritability, anxiety, sleep and concentration problems
- Worsening of the problems under stress, agitation or rapid breathing
Causes of tetany
The most common cause of latent tetany is magnesium deficiency, or an imbalance of calcium and other minerals, combined with long-term stress and hyperventilation. Magnesium deficiency is contributed to by an unsuitable diet, excessive sweating during sport, certain medications and increased consumption under stress. Hormonal changes also play a role, which is why in women the problems often vary over the course of the cycle.
Manifest tetany with severe cramps is usually caused by an actual drop in blood calcium – for example with a parathyroid disorder or a severe vitamin D deficiency. That is why diagnosis always includes laboratory tests to tell these conditions apart, or a referral for an endocrinological examination.
Diagnosis – clinical tests and EMG
During the clinical examination we look for signs of increased neuromuscular excitability – these include Chvostek’s sign (twitching of the facial muscles when the facial nerve is tapped) and Trousseau’s sign (cramping of the hand after a blood pressure cuff is inflated on the arm). We add laboratory tests of magnesium, calcium and other parameters.
The key examination is EMG – electromyography with the so-called ischemic test: after the forearm is briefly constricted with a cuff, followed by hyperventilation, patients with tetany show typical repetitive activity of the muscle fibers on the recording. We perform the examination right in the practice and can objectively confirm the diagnosis with it.
Treating tetany syndrome
Tetany is a very treatable condition – treatment combines mineral replacement with stress management.
Magnesium and vitamins
Longer-term use of magnesium at a higher dose, with vitamin B6 and vitamin D as needed. We set the dosage according to the problems and the laboratory results.
Working with breathing and stress
Practicing calm breathing during an episode of numbness and adjusting lifestyle habits – managing stress is a condition for lasting improvement.
Ruling out other causes
Laboratory tests and EMG tell latent tetany apart from parathyroid disorders, epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
Follow-ups and monitoring
We monitor the effectiveness of treatment at follow-ups; if a hormonal cause is suspected, we direct you to an endocrinological examination.
Book on +421 948 687 667 – an appointment within a few days.
Frequently asked questions about tetany syndrome
Latent tetany is not life-threatening, but it can significantly reduce quality of life – mainly because its signs resemble heart or other serious conditions and unsettle the patient. The correct diagnosis and treatment usually ease the problems considerably.
By a combination of clinical tests (Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs), laboratory tests of minerals and, above all, an EMG examination with the ischemic test, which objectively demonstrates the increased neuromuscular excitability. We perform all these examinations at our practice.
The examination is well tolerated. It includes briefly constricting the forearm with a blood pressure cuff and rapid breathing, which can cause temporary numbness – that is part of the test and passes quickly once it is over. We explain the detailed procedure to you before the examination.
Many patients get short-term relief from it, but without confirming the diagnosis and adjusting the dosage the effect tends to be incomplete. It is also important to rule out other causes of the problems and to work on stress and breathing – magnesium alone usually does not break the vicious circle of tetany.
Yes, especially more pronounced episodes of numbness and cramps can resemble an epileptic seizure. In tetany, however, the patient does not lose consciousness. A detailed medical history and an EMG examination make the distinction possible.
Related topics
EMG examination
Electromyography with the ischemic test is the key examination for confirming tetany.
Who will take care of you
Neurologist · head medical guarantor for neurology at Proctocare
MUDr. Michal Kozmon focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on a comprehensive and individual approach to the patient. He also specializes in electromyographic (EMG) examinations.
- Neurology departments of University Hospital Bratislava
- Specialization in EMG examinations
- Board certification in neurology
Neurologist · Bratislava practice
MUDr. Dominika Olšavská Koteková focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with an emphasis on an individual approach and comprehensive patient care.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Michal Kozmon – neurologist, head medical guarantor of neurology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Troubled by numbness, cramps or palpitations under stress?
Book a neurological examination in Bratislava – we confirm tetany with an EMG examination and set up effective treatment.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk