From the Guidelines
Having your parathyroid glands removed does not directly cause strokes, but complications from the surgery can potentially increase stroke risk in rare cases. The main risk after parathyroid removal is hypocalcemia (low blood calcium), which occurs when too much parathyroid tissue is removed, reducing parathyroid hormone (PTH) production. Severe hypocalcemia can cause neurological symptoms including seizures and, in extremely rare cases, could theoretically contribute to stroke risk. Additionally, as with any surgery, there are general surgical risks including blood clots that could potentially lead to stroke. However, this is uncommon with parathyroid surgery, which is generally considered safe with a low complication rate, as seen in a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Surgery in 2017 1. If you've had parathyroid surgery, your doctor will monitor your calcium levels closely and may prescribe calcium supplements and vitamin D to prevent hypocalcemia. Some key points to consider include:
- The risk of hypoparathyroidism is higher in patients who undergo total parathyroidectomy (TPTX) compared to those who undergo TPTX with autotransplantation (TPTX + AT) 1
- The operative time is shorter for TPTX compared to TPTX + AT 1
- There is no significant difference in symptomatic improvement, complications, drug requirements, and hospital stay between TPTX and TPTX + AT 1 Any symptoms like numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, or seizures after surgery should prompt immediate medical attention, as these could indicate dangerously low calcium levels requiring treatment. It's essential to follow your doctor's instructions and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to minimize the risk of complications.
From the Research
Parathyroid Removal and Stroke Risk
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that having your parathyroid removed causes a stroke 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the effects of vitamin D levels on postoperative calcium requirements, hypocalcemia, and parathyroid hormone levels after parathyroidectomy 2, 3, 4.
- One study discusses the incidence and risk factors of post-parathyroidectomy hypocalcemia, but does not mention stroke as a potential complication 5.
- Another study explores the role of parathyroid hormone levels in predicting postoperative hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy, but also does not mention stroke 6.
Related Complications
- The studies do discuss potential complications related to parathyroid removal, such as hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism 4, 5, 6.
- Vitamin D deficiency is identified as a risk factor for transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy 4.
- However, these complications are not directly related to stroke risk.
Conclusion Not Applicable
As per the instructions, no conclusion section should be included. The information provided is based on the available evidence and does not offer a direct answer to the question of whether parathyroid removal can cause a stroke.