- Last edited on January 28, 2021
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Hypomagnesemia
Primer
Hypomagnesemia is an electrolyte disturbance with low levels of serum magnesium. Normal magnesium levels are between 1.46–2.68 mg/dL (0.6-1.1 mmol/L) with levels less than 1.46 mg/dL (0.6 mmol/L) defining hypomagnesemia. Like with other electrolyte and fluid imbalances (see also: hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia),[1] hypomagnesemia can cause neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Comparison
Comparison of Various Electrolyte Disturbances
Hypo (Low Concentration) | Hyper (High Concentration) | |
---|---|---|
Sodium | Hyponatremia: Nausea, malaise, stupor, coma, seizures | Irritability, stupor, coma |
Potassium | Hypokalemia: Arrhythmias, muscle cramps, spasm, and weakness. ECGs will show U waves and flattened T waves | Arrhythmias, muscle weakness. ECGs will show Wide QRS and peaked T waves. |
Calcium | Hypocalcemia: Tetany, seizures, QT prolongation, twitching (e.g. - Chvostek sign), spasm (e.g. - Trousseau sign) | Hypercalcemia: Stones (renal), bones (pain), groans (abdominal pain), thrones (urinary frequency), psychiatric overtones (anxiety, altered mental status) |
Magnesium | Hypomagnesmia: Tetany, torsades de pointes, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia | Decreased deep tendon reflexes, hypotension, lethargy, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, hypocalcemia |
Phosphate | Bone loss, osteomalacia (adults), rickets (children) | Renal stones, metastatic calcifications, hypocalcemia |