Description A rare disorder tha...
Description
A rare disorder that results in little to no production of parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone, along with vitamin D and calcitonin, is responsible for the regulation of blood calcium levels. Without enough parathyroid hormone, the calcium blood level will be low. This can cause muscle spasms and increase the risk of seizures. Hypoparathyroidism can be present at birth (congenital) or happen later in life (acquired), such as after total removal of the thyroid gland.
Symptoms
Symptoms include dry skin, hair loss, muscle tightness and developmental delay in cases of hereditary hypoparathyroidism.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests will be performed to confirm the diagnosis and to look for the cause of hypoparathyroidism in those individuals with acquired disease.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Other Specific Tests: magnesium level, calcium levels, vitamin D
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Family Practice, Pediatric Endocrinology
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests will be performed to confirm the diagnosis and to look for the cause of hypoparathyroidism in those individuals with acquired disease.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Other Specific Tests: magnesium level, calcium levels, vitamin D
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Family Practice, Pediatric Endocrinology
Treatment
Supplemental calcium and vitamin D can usually effectively treat the symptoms of low calcium.