10 Causes of Muscle Cramps
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #4: Hypomagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia occurs when there is a low magnesium level in the body. It can result in issues such as muscle spasms, muscle cramps, poor coordination, tremors, appetite loss, nystagmus, personality changes, seizures, and cardiac arrest. It can be caused by diarrhea, alcoholism, low dietary intake, diabetes mellitus, increased urinary loss, and poor absorption from the intestines. Some medications that can cause magnesium deficiency are furosemide and protein pump inhibitors.
A magnesium level lower than 0.6 mmol/l is defined as hypomagnesemia. Treatment can be per oral or via intravenous magnesium sulfate.
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