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tetany
(tet´ә-ne)
a syndrome manifested by carpopedal spasm (sharp flexion of the wrist and ankle joints) with muscle twitchings, cramps, convulsions, and sometimes attacks of stridor. It is due to abnormal calcium metabolism, such as in persons with decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands, vitamin D deficiency, or alkalosis, as well as in those who have ingested excessive alkaline salts.

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