BSN Student

[SunshineDaydreamer]

Hi All this is my first post so sorry if i didnt put it in the right spot!....i have been told that hypocalcemia causes seizures and then i was reading where an influx of calcium into the neuron causes seizures too...does that mean too much calcium? It is confusing me. does one have nothing to do with the other?? please help!!

[mursejw]

Influx of calcium ions into neurons is another way of saying hypocalcemia (which is low calcium in the blood), so they are the same (causing seizures). Influx of Ca ions into neurons deplete the Ca ions in the blood.

I'm not sure of the exact mechanism, but it could have something to do with either the Na/Ca (Sodium/Calcium) exchange pumps at the neuronal membrane, pumping Ca into cells (therefore causing hypocalcemia), in exchange for pumping Na out of the neurons.

[Neuro Guy NP, DNP, PhD, APRN]

Too little calcium can cause convulsion, but I am not certain about too much calcium causing them. 'Influx of calcium' means too much calcium flowing into the cells. Too much intracellular calcium is toxic. Calcium is one of the electrolytes needed to control muscle innervation, as well. Hopefully, some further research will help you.

[Neuro Guy NP, DNP, PhD, APRN]

Influx of calcium ions into neurons is another way of saying hypocalcemia (which is low calcium in the blood), so they are the same (causing seizures). Influx of Ca ions into neurons deplete the Ca ions in the blood.

I'm not sure of the exact mechanism, but it could have something to do with either the Na/Ca (Sodium/Calcium) exchange pumps at the neuronal membrane, pumping Ca into cells (therefore causing hypocalcemia), in exchange for pumping Na out of the neurons.

Oh! Now I get what the OP meant by too much Calcium. You are absolutely right.

[SunshineDaydreamer]

Thanks so much, it makes complete sense now! :heartbeat