Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the level of parathyroid hormone and calcium in the blood are below normal. This condition is usually caused by neck surgery or damage to one or more parathyroid glands.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood) include numbness, tingling and muscle cramps or spasms. Cramps and spasms are more common when patients have had most or all of their parathyroid glands removed or damaged. To help prevent hypoparathyroidism as a complication of neck surgery, surgeons often also perform a parathyroid autografting procedure.
Treatment
Hypoparathyroidism is usually temporary and easily treated by taking calcium and vitamin D pills for a short time after surgery. Hypoparathyroidism is rarely permanent, but when it happens, patients must take calcium and vitamin D pills for the rest of their lives.
Sometimes, hypocalcemia may occur after parathyroidectomy in patients with severe HPT as the bones try to heal themselves. This cause of hypocalcemia is due to a condition called "hungry bone syndrome," which is usually temporary and is treated the same way as hypoparathyroidism due to other causes.