A rather
indefinite mess recognised more in Europe than in the U.S. Consisting of a
number of
non-specific complaints, including
generalised weakness,
arm and
foot cramping,
distal paresthesia, anxiety, and depression. Some
think it is a "normocalcaemic tetany"; others consider it "chronic
hyperventilation syndrome." Typically with determined provoking procedures (e.g.,
limb ischemia, hyperventilation) in which case, obvious
tetany develops.
See: Trousseau's sign, Chvostek's sign, Erb sign.
Synonym: crytotetany, spasmophilia.