The Cause of Unsteady Walking and Inability to Speak Due to Elevated Serum Phosphorus

Question

Is unsteady walking and an inability to speak related to elevated serum phosphorus levels?

Answer

Common causes of elevated serum phosphorus levels may include reduced kidney excretion capacity, decreased glomerular filtration rate (such as in acute or chronic kidney failure), increased reabsorption of phosphates by the renal tubules (such as in hypothyroidism or the use of growth hormone), excessive intake of phosphates (such as from phosphate-containing medications or laxatives), or the shift of excessive intracellular phosphates.