tetany

[tet-n-ee]

noun

Pathology.

1. a state marked by severe, intermittent tonic contractions and muscular pain, due to abnormal calcium metabolism.

tetany

/ ˈtɛtənɪ /

noun

1. pathol an abnormal increase in the excitability of nerves and muscles resulting in spasms of the arms and legs, caused by a deficiency of parathyroid secretion

Word History and Origins

Origin of tetany¹

From the New Latin word tetania, dating back to 1880–85. See tetanus, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of tetany¹

C19: from French tétanie. See _tetanus

Example Sentences

When tetany follows operations for goitre it is due to the removal of these glands.

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Lastly, in the tetany of children, or that following operations on the thyreoid gland, the spasms are of a jerking character, affect chiefly the hands and fingers, and yield to medicinal treatment.

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Trousseau's sign is the production of tetany by applying firm and prolonged pressure to the brachial nerve in the upper arm.

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In man, a condition of nervous over-excitability has been described as tetany.

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