Hypomagnesemia

Alternative Names: Low blood magnesium; Magnesium - low

Hypomagnesemia means low levels of magnesium in the blood.

Causes of Hypomagnesemia

Several conditions can cause hypomagnesemia, including:

• Alcoholism
• Chronic diarrhea
• High blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
• Hyperaldosteronism
• Malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease
• Malnutrition
• Medications including amphotericin, cisplatin, cyclosporine, diuretics, and aminoglycoside antibiotics
• Excessive urination (polyuria), such as in uncontrolled diabetes and during recovery from acute kidney failure
• Sweating

Hypomagnesemia Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
• Convulsions
• Fatigue
• Muscle spasms or cramps
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness

Tests and Exams

Your health care provider will do a complete physical examination to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

Signs include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes
• Low blood calcium level (hypocalcemia)
• Low blood potassium level (hypokalemia)

Blood and urine tests will be done. Other tests that can confirm hypomagnesemia include:

• Comprehensive metabolic panel
• Magnesium blood test
• Urine magnesium test

Treatment of Hypomagnesemia

The cause of hypomagnesemia must be diagnosed and treated. Treatment depends on the type of hypomagnesemia, but may include:

• Fluids given through a vein (IV)
• Magnesium by mouth or through a vein
• Medication to relieve symptoms

Prognosis (Outlook)

The outcome depends on the condition that is causing the problem.

Potential Complications

• Cardiac arrest
• Death
• Respiratory arrest

When to Contact a Health Professional

Hypomagnesemia can be a life-threatening emergency. Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this condition.

Prevention of Hypomagnesemia

Treating the condition that is causing hypomagnesemia can help. If you play any demanding sports, drink fluids that contain electrolytes (sports drinks). Drinking only water while you take part in high-energy athletic events can lead to acute hypomagnesemia.

Pollak MR, Yu ASL, Taylor EN. Disorders of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous balance. In: Brenner BM, ed. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 16.

Yu ASL. Disorders of magnesium and phosphorous. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 120.

Review Date: 5/29/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

_{Do not use this information for medical emergencies - Call 911. This information should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should always be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other websites do not constitute endorsements and are provided for information only. Any duplication or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited.
Copyright 2011 A.D.A.M., Inc.}