[Clinical thinking and decision making in practice. A young women with muscle cramps].

A 23-year-old woman with a history of episodic stiffening of the limbs since her early adolescence, reported attacks of muscle contraction accompanied by feelings of panic but without loss of consciousness. Epileptic seizures, e.g. progressive myoclonic epilepsy, metabolic encephalopathy, dystonia and tetany were suggested. During the examination, muscle contraction could be provoked whilst measuring the blood pressure. Tetany based on primary hypoparathyroidism was diagnosed from the medical history as well as the neurological examination. This was confirmed by laboratory tests. She was successfully treated with calcium and I-alpha-(OH)2 vitamin D3.