Definition/Introduction
In the late 1800s, Dr. Chvostek noticed that mechanical stimulation of the facial nerve (as with the fingertip of the examiner, for example) could lead to twitching of the ipsilateral facial muscles.[1] [Level IV] The long-accepted explanation is that this resulted from hypocalcemia, and this relationship became known as the Chvostek sign.[2] [Level IV] When corrected for albumin, a calcium level of less than 8.8 mg/dl is considered deficient.[3] [Level V] Calcium is an essential electrolyte in the body. It is associated with many functions, and of significance; muscle contractions and propagation of nerve impulses. Deficiencies in calcium may lead to seizures, cardiomyopathy, QT prolongation, and congestive heart failure[4] [Level IV] Secondary to this; patients often receive replacement therapy in the hospital setting. One common cause of hypocalcemia is a complication during thyroidectomies.[5] [Level IV] The parathyroid gland is located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland, and during the procedure, a lobe of the gland may get resected. The parathyroid gland produces parathyroid hormone (PTH), and resection can lead to a decrease in PTH levels.[6] [Level IV] PTH regulates calcium levels in the body; hence, a reduction in its serum level will lead to hypocalcemia.