Clinical Diagnosis · Endocrine System · Medium
Hypocalcaemia
Meaning: An abnormally low blood level of the mineral essential for bones, nerves and muscles, causing tingling, cramps and spasms.
In practice: Perioral tingling and muscle cramps the day after thyroid surgery were due to hypocalcaemia.
Word parts
- hypo- means below or less than normal
- -aemia means a condition of the blood
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: A refractive error in which near objects appear blurred because light focuses behind the retina.
Answer: Hypermetropia
Which word means: Salicylate NSAID that irreversibly blocks COX-1, used mainly as a low-dose antiplatelet.
Answer: Aspirin
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