Paresthesias are most closely associated with which postoperative electrolyte disturbance after thyroidectomy?

• A. Hypocalcemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypomagnesemia

Answer: (A)

Paresthesias after thyroidectomy are most closely tied to a drop in calcium levels caused by impaired parathyroid function during surgery. When parathyroids are damaged or devascularized, parathyroid hormone (PTH) decreases, leading to low serum calcium. This hypocalcemia makes nerves hyperexcitable, producing tingling or numbness around the mouth and in the extremities, along with muscle cramps or tetany. Other electrolyte disturbances—hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, or hypomagnesemia—cause different clinical pictures and are less specifically linked to the tingling sensation seen here.