From the Research
Muscle twitching typically begins within 1-2 minutes after stopping hyperventilation if it didn't occur during the hyperventilation period itself. This phenomenon, known as hypocapnic tetany, happens because hyperventilation causes excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, leading to respiratory alkalosis (increased blood pH) 1. When hyperventilation stops, the body continues to experience this chemical imbalance for a short period. The alkalosis reduces ionized calcium levels in the blood, increasing nerve and muscle excitability. This heightened excitability can cause involuntary muscle contractions, tingling sensations (particularly in the extremities and around the mouth), and in some cases, carpopedal spasms (spasms of the hands and feet) 2.
Some key points to consider:
- Hyperventilation syndrome is characterized by a variety of somatic symptoms induced by physiologically inappropriate hyperventilation and usually reproduced by voluntary hyperventilation 1.
- Breathing exercises have been studied as a potential treatment for dysfunctional breathing/hyperventilation syndrome, but the evidence is limited and inconclusive 3.
- The optimum duration of hyperventilation during electroencephalography has been studied, and it was found that 3 minutes of hyperventilation is sufficient for EEG activation by the CBF criterion 4.
- Hyperventilation is commonly used in neurological patients to decrease elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) or relax a tense brain, but its effects on patient outcomes have not been proven by quality research 5.
If no symptoms appear within 3-5 minutes after stopping hyperventilation, they are unlikely to develop later. The body typically begins to normalize carbon dioxide levels and pH balance within minutes of returning to normal breathing patterns. It's worth noting that the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2023, which found that 3 minutes of hyperventilation is sufficient for EEG activation by the CBF criterion 4.