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Hypomagnesemia

Definition

Hypomagnesemia is a condition in which the amount of magnesium in the blood is lower than normal.

Alternative Names

Low blood magnesium; Magnesium - low

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Hypomagnesemia can be caused by:

Alcoholism
Burns that affect a large area of the body
Chronic diarrhea
Excessive urination (polyuria), such as in uncontrolled diabetes and during recovery from acute kidney failure
High blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
Hyperaldosteronism
Malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease
Malnutrition
Medications including amphotericin, cisplatin, cyclosporine, diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, and aminoglycoside antibiotics
Sweating

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

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

Signs and tests

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

Tests that may be ordered include an

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Blood and urine tests that may be done include:

Calcium blood test
Comprehensive metabolic panel
Magnesium blood testPotassium blood test
Urine magnesium test

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of hypomagnesemia and may include:

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

Expectations (prognosis)

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

Complications

Cardiac arrest
Respiratory arrest
Death

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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

Prevention

Treating the condition that is causing hypomagnesemia can help. If you play sports, drink fluids such as sports drinks, which contain electrolytes. Drinking only water while you are active can lead to hypomagnesemia.

References

Yu ASL. Disorders of magnesium and phosphorous. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 121.

Review Date: 4/14/2013
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 A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

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