Complications

Hypoparathyroidism can result in various complications.

Reversible complications

The following are due to low calcium levels, most of which are likely to improve with treatment:

• Cramplike spasms of your hands and fingers that can be prolonged and painful, or muscle pain and twitches or spasms of the muscles of your face, throat or arms. When these spasms occur in your throat, they can interfere with breathing, creating a possible emergency.
• Tingling or burning sensations, or a pins and needles feeling, in your lips, tongue, fingers and toes.
• Seizures.
• Malformed teeth, affecting dental enamel and roots, in cases when hypoparathyroidism occurs at an early age when teeth are developing.
• Problems with kidney function.
• Heart arrhythmias and fainting, even heart failure.

Irreversible complications

Accurate diagnosis and treatment might prevent these complications associated with hypoparathyroidism. But once they occur, calcium and vitamin D won't improve them:

• Stunted growth
• Slow mental development in children
• Calcium deposits in the brain, which can cause balance problems and seizures
• Clouded vision due to cataracts