Which signs indicate neuromuscular irritation in calcium disturbances?

• A. Trousseau's and Chvostek
• B. Hyperreflexia
• C. Positive Babinski
• D. Nystagmus

Answer: (A)

Low calcium levels make nerves and muscles more excitable, so tiny stimulations can trigger inappropriate contractions—tetany. Trousseau's sign shows this irritability directly: inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure immobilizes the forearm and hand, leading to a painful carpal spasm if calcium is low. Chvostek sign demonstrates the same idea in the face: tapping the facial nerve near the cheek triggers twitching of facial muscles when calcium is deficient. These two signs are classic bedside indicators of hypocalcemia-related neuromuscular irritability.

While hyperreflexia can occur with calcium disturbances, it’s not as specific to this problem, and the other options—positive Babinski and nystagmus—point to different neurological issues rather than peripheral neuromuscular irritability from calcium imbalance.