Tetany, << TEHT uh nee, >> is a disorder associated with overexcitability and spontaneous activity of the nervous system. It is characterized by periodic muscle spasms and small, fluttering tremors. Affected body parts may tingle or feel numb. The hands are usually affected first, but spasms may later spread to the face, body, and throat. The spasms are only painful in severe cases. Tetany results from a deficiency of calcium salts or a chemical imbalance in the body.
