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- Hypomagnesemia is a technical way of saying that the Magnesium level in the blood is too low.
- Magnesium is a very important substance in our body. It is a component of bone, helps build protein, and is very important in the normal functioning of muscle, nerves, and enzymes. Magnesium is also very important in maintaining the normal functioning of many hormones, Parathyroid hormone
in particular. Thus, changes in the Magnesium level usually affect Calcium levels.
- Symptoms of Hypomagnesemia include Muscle Cramps and
weakness, tremors, and abnormal heart rhythms. If the Magnesium level is
extremely low, then treatment needs to be started immediately. Many treatments are available and will be discussed below. However, the main treatment is to take care of the underlying condition causing the low Magnesium level.
- Magnesium is a
substance that is most commonly found in vegetables. The best sources are dark-green, leafy vegetables. Other sources include almonds, pecans, cashews, soy products, millet, brown rice, avocado, and dried apricots. The recommended daily allowances of Magnesium vary by age. These recommendations are as follows:
- Children less than 1 year -- 40 to 60 milligrams a day
- Children 1-6 years -- 80 milligrams a day
- Children 7-10 years -- 270 milligrams a day
- Adult women -- 280 milligrams a day
- Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding -- 350 milligrams a day
- Adult men -- 350 milligrams a day
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- Symptoms can include Muscle Spasms, Muscle Cramps, or tremors.
- Some people may develop jerking movements or other abnormal involuntary movements. They can also have twitching of the eye.
- Others may become tired, confused, or disoriented. Hallucinations may also occur.
- If the Magnesium level becomes too low, then it can cause an abnormal heart rhythm. Patients with Hypomagnesemia may also have a fast heart rate or High Blood Pressure.
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- The list of causal agents is extensive. These include the following (only a partial list):
- Medications -- such as Pentamidine, Amphotericin B, aminoglycosides antibiotics, Cisplatin, and water pills such as furosemide or thiazide
- Alcoholism
- Chronic Diarrhea or Laxative Abuse
- Chronic vomiting
- Bartter's Syndrome
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hypercalcemia
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Hungry bone syndrome after parathyroid gland removal
- Tubulointerstitial disease
- Excess intravenous fluids
- Inadequate Magnesium supplementation in those receiving total parenteral nutrition (nutritional feeding other than via the alimentary tract)
- Kidney transplant patients
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Burn victims can develop Magnesium deficiency.
- As stated, there are many diseases that can cause the Magnesium level to be low. The above is only a partial list. The doctor will have to determine what may be causing the problem.
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- The symptoms for Hypomagnesemia can be somewhat vague. Therefore, the best way to diagnose the condition is to perform blood tests.
- A blood test can be done to check the Magnesium
level. It is very simple and effective.
- Sometimes an EKG will show certain changes associated with Hypomagnesemia, such as prolonged QT intervals. Abnormal heart rhythms may be present.
- There are no specific findings on physical examination that suggest the diagnosis of Hypomagnesemia. It is usually diagnosed by the results from the blood tests.
- It is important to find out what is causing the Hypomagnesemia in the first place. Discuss additional tests with your doctor.
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- There are no specific risk factors for Hypomagnesemia. However, having any of the conditions listed above can increase the risk.
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- If the Magnesium level is only a little low, the condition can be treated more slowly. In such cases, options for treatment include:
- Oral Magnesium tablets
- Magnesium can also be given as an injection. The dose is usually 50 to 200 milligrams, four times a day.
- If the Magnesium level is
extremely low, or if the patient is experiencing heart irregularities, muscle problems, or changes in mental condition -- immediate treatment is advised. Since the above treatments take a while to work, additional ones will have to be started. These include:
- Administration of intravenous Magnesium. A fairly large dose of Magnesium can be
given intravenously over a short time period. This will effectively correct the condition. However, additional Magnesium may have to be given if the Magnesium level continues to drop.
- In some cases, Magnesium deficiency can cause low Calcium and/or low Potassium levels. In such cases, correcting the Magnesium deficiency will help correct the hypocalcemia and hypokalemia.
- In addition to these measures, patients with low Magnesium may need to be on a heart monitor to make sure that they do not develop irregular heart rhythms.
- All of these measures only temporarily correct the problem. The underlying process that caused Hypomagnesemia needs to be treated so that it does not happen again. Only then will the treatment of Hypomagnesemia be complete.
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- Hypomagnesemia can lead to irregular heart rhythms that are potentially fatal.
- Muscle Spasm, cramps, or weakness can also occur.
- Changes in the mental status are possible.
- Low Magnesium levels can cause hypocalcemia and hypokalemia.
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- This is potentially (but only rarely) a medical emergency. If the Magnesium level is
only slightly decreased, it may be possible to treat this condition on an outpatient basis. If it is extremely low, treatment needs to be started immediately. Either way, the doctor will have to guide you in the best course of action. However, it is very important that medical attention be obtained as soon as possible.
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- There is no specific way to prevent this condition. However, adequate nutrition will help reduce the risk.
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