Question
What is the difference between my nephew’s condition, is it hypocalcemia or epilepsy? How can I distinguish between them?
Answer
Epilepsy symptoms are diverse, with typical symptoms including whole-body convulsions and frothing at the mouth. However, these symptoms are not exclusive to epilepsy; hypocalcemia can also cause similar convulsive situations. But hypocalcemia-induced convulsions usually come with features like wrist flexion, fingers becoming rigid, and the thumb pressing against the palm. Severe vitamin D deficiency leading to rickets may also be accompanied by symptoms such as night crying and chest deformities. Unlike epilepsy, hypocalcemia does not cause consciousness disorders, and EEGs are typically normal. Appropriate supplementation of calcium and vitamin D can effectively treat hypocalcemia.