Petrozavodsk neurologist recognized a rare disease, which is often mistaken for a mental disorder

In Petrozavodsk at the interregional conference "Actual problems of diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system", organized by the Karelian Society of Neurologists, neurologist Anton Smirnov presented a clinical case of a patient with a rare disease - hypoparathyroidism.

As Anton Smirnov told MK in Karelia, the peculiarity of this case is that hypoparathyroidism can manifest symptoms similar to other diseases. These patients often receive years of treatment from a psychiatrist diagnosed with depression, schizophrenia, or dementia, when in reality they require the help of an endocrinologist.

Hypoparathyroidism is an endocrine disease in which the parathyroid (parathyroid) glands produce insufficient amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH), or body tissues become insensitive to it. This leads to a violation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism: the level of calcium in the blood falls (hypocalcemia), and phosphorus increases (hyperphosphatemia). Pathology is quite rare - in 23-37 people per 100,000 population, more often in women.

The disease can be manifested by tingling, numbness or burning in the fingers, hands, feet and around the mouth; painful muscle spasms, stiffness and seizures; increased fatigue, weakness, deterioration of concentration and memory. With a long course, dry skin and hair, brittle nails, as well as gastrointestinal complaints, including abdominal pain, are possible.