Trousseau and Chvostek signs indicate which electrolyte imbalance?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hypernatremia
• D. Hypomagnesemia

Answer: (B)

Trousseau and Chvostek signs reveal heightened neuromuscular excitability caused by low calcium in the blood. Calcium helps stabilize nerve and muscle membranes; when ionized calcium falls, nerves fire more easily, leading to muscle spasms and tingling. Trousseau’s sign is a carpopedal spasm when a blood pressure cuff is inflated, showing the hand and fingers contorting from ischemia-induced hyperexcitability. Chvostek’s sign is a facial muscle twitch triggered by tapping the facial nerve, reflecting the same underlying irritability.

So these signs point to hypocalcemia. If you suspect it clinically, confirm with a calcium level, remembering that ionized calcium is more informative than total calcium when albumin levels are abnormal. In acute symptomatic cases, treatment often starts with calcium, typically calcium gluconate given IV, along with careful monitoring. Addressing the underlying cause—such as vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, or magnesium imbalance—and planning long-term management with dietary calcium and vitamin D supplementation as appropriate are important steps.