hypomagnesemia /hī′pōmag′nisē″mē·ə/ , an abnormally low concentration of magnesium in the blood plasma, which causes nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, tetany, and lethargy. Tachycardia and arrhythmia may also occur. Mild hypomagnesemia is usually the result of inadequate absorption of magnesium in the kidney or intestine, although it is also seen after prolonged parenteral feeding and during lactation. A more severe form is associated with malabsorption syndrome, protein malnutrition, and parathyroid disease. Magnesium salts to correct the deficiency may be given orally or intravenously.
