Heat tetany

Background

• Hyperventilation leading to:
  • respiratory alkalosis
  • extremity/circumoral paresthesias
  • carpopedal spasm
• May mimic heat cramps

Clinical Features

• No cramping in muscle compartments
• Differentiate from Heat Cramps based on little pain

Differential Diagnosis

Environmental heat diagnoses

• Heat cramps
• Heat edema
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat tetany
• Heat stroke
• Heat syncope
• Miliaria
• Hyperthermia

Diagnosis

• Clinical

Treatment

• Remove from heat
• Decrease respiratory rate

Disposition

• Outpatient

See Also

• Heat Emergencies

References

• Waters T. Heat Emergencies In: Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 7th ed. McGraw Hill Medical. 2011: 1339