Which symptoms are commonly associated with hypocalcemia?

Hypocalcemia, which refers to low levels of calcium in the blood, is an important condition to recognize due to its potential effects on neuromuscular function and other systems. Paresthesia, often described as tingling or a "pins and needles" sensation, occurs because calcium is essential for maintaining normal nerve conduction and muscle function. When calcium levels drop, the excitability of nerves increases, leading to functional changes like paresthesia.

Muscle spasms are another hallmark of hypocalcemia, often referred to as tetany. This involuntary contraction of muscles occurs due to increased neural excitability, which is a direct result of insufficient calcium. Therefore, both paresthesia and muscle spasms are classic symptoms that signal the presence of hypocalcemia.

The other options include symptoms that are either unrelated to hypocalcemia or indicative of other conditions. Weight gain and muscle weakness are not typical manifestations of low calcium levels. Nausea and vomiting can occur for various reasons but are not specific to hypocalcemia. Cardiac arrest may occur in severe cases; however, it is not a symptom typically experienced alongside hypocalcemia and requires more extreme physiological derangements. Thus, the most common symptoms associated with hypocalcemia are indeed pare