Seizures in Hypomagnesemia

Q; At what serum level of Magnesium (mg) does the risk of acute symptomatic seizures escalate? - select one

A) 0.8 mEq/L

B) 1.2 mEq/L

C0 1.8 mEq/L

Answer: A

Few electrolytes and metabolite abnormalities are more prone to cause acute symptomatic seizures. Distinguished ones are:

• Hypoglycemia
• Hyperglycemia 
• Hyponatremia
• Hypocalcemia
• Hypomagnesemia

Mg below 0.8 mEq/L may cause irritability, agitation, confusion, myoclonus, tetany, and convulsions. Seizures in hypomagnesemia are usually accompanied by hypocalcemia. 

#electrolytes

#neurology

References:

1. Riggs JE. Neurologic manifestations of electrolyte disturbances. Neurol Clin 2002; 20:227.

2. Chen BB, Prasad C, Kobrzynski M, Campbell C, Filler G. Seizures Related to Hypomagnesemia: A Case Series and Review of the Literature. Child Neurol Open. 2016 Oct 27;3:2329048X16674834. doi: 10.1177/2329048X16674834. PMID: 28503619; PMCID: PMC5417264.