# Hypomagnesemia --- **Hypomagnesemia** is a condition of having a dangerously low amount [[magnesium]] in the blood. This can result from [[disease|diseases]], alcohol abuse, or having a serious magnesium deficiency in their diet. If left untreated long term it can lead to [[osteoporosis]]. ## Causes - The most common cause is GI losses - It's more often lower GI than upper for some reason - EtOH withdrawal, chronic use - Parenteral nutrition - they try to balance it but it doesn't always work - Medications - [[hypocalcemia]] or [[hypoparathyroidism]] - [[diabetic ketoacidosis|DKA]] - [[celiac disease]] / [[Chron's disease]] ## Signs & Symptoms The most concerning signs and symptoms of hypomagnesemia are - neuromuscular irritability - ECG changes/dysrhythmias - there is a specific type of dysrythmia called a **torsade de pointe** Other signs and symptoms include - [[hypocalcemia]] - Remember Mg and Ca are directly related - muscle cramps spasms or seizures - [[nausea]] - [[weakness]] - [[irritability]] and [[confusion]] ## Treatment Treatment of hypomagnesemia largely consists of replacing the lost magnesium. - Magnesium sulfate IV - Must use IV pump - Monitor vital signs & urine output - Oral magnesium - Including in diet ## Nursing Considerations Normally if you are replacing or otherwise trying to correct an electrylyte imbalance we want to do it slowly. The exception is if you ever see Torsade de Pointe, you want to slug that IV Mg as fast as you can. ___