tetany etymology

Etymology: * Derived from Greek "tetanos," meaning "stretching," "stiffness," or "tension."

Meaning and Origin: Tetany is a condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, often accompanied by stiffness and twitching. It occurs due to low levels of calcium in the blood, which leads to increased nerve activity and muscle irritability.

Tetany can be caused by various factors, including: * Hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone) * Hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium) * Hyperventilation (rapid breathing) * Vitamin D deficiency * Kidney failure * Certain medications

The term "tetany" was first used in the medical literature in the 18th century to describe a condition now known as puerperal eclampsia, characterized by seizures and muscle spasms during or after pregnancy. Later, it was applied to the more general condition of low calcium-related muscle contractions.

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