Vitamin D deficiency presenting as seizures.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent globally, often linked to reduced sunlight exposure and inadequate dietary intake.
• While common, severe vitamin D deficiency leading to hypocalcemia and seizures is rare, particularly in adults.

Observation:

• During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (June 2020-Dec 2021), a series of patients across various age groups presented with seizures.
• The primary and sole detected abnormality in these patients was severe hypocalcemia attributed to vitamin D deficiency.

Findings:

• All patients presenting with seizures and severe hypocalcemia due to vitamin D deficiency showed a positive response to calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
• Treatment led to the resolution of seizures and normalization of serum calcium levels without recurrence.

Implications:

• This highlights the critical need to consider vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of seizures, even in the absence of typical risk factors.
• The findings underscore the importance of vitamin D and calcium monitoring, especially during periods of restricted outdoor activity.
• Timely diagnosis and supplementation can effectively manage severe hypocalcemia-induced seizures, preventing long-term neurological complications.