Final answer:
Hypoparathyroidism is caused by accidental gland removal or autoimmune destruction, leading to low calcium levels, while hyperparathyroidism is often caused by tumors, resulting in too much calcium in the blood. The key difference is in the calcium levels and subsequent symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypoparathyroidism is typically caused by the accidental removal of the parathyroid glands during neck or thyroid surgeries or due to auto-immune destruction of the gland. This underproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) results in low blood calcium levels, leading to muscle dysfunction and the potential for tetany, which is a condition of severe, sustained muscle contraction.
On the other hand, hyperparathyroidism is often due to tumors on the parathyroid glands or other conditions that result in the overproduction of PTH. This excess in PTH leads to the removal of excessive calcium from bones into the bloodstream, potentially causing bone weakness, fractures, and nervous system impairment from high calcium levels.
The primary difference between these two conditions lies in their cause and effect on calcium metabolism. Whereas hypoparathyroidism results in hypocalcemia (low calcium), hyperparathyroidism leads to hypercalcemia (high calcium) with distinct symptoms related to the abnormal calcium levels in the body.