Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: A Rare Presenting Manifestation of Thyrotoxicosis

Abstract

Thyrotoxicosis may be related to hypokalemic periodic paralysis in young asian males. Periodic paralysis related to hypokalemia as the initial manifestation without any clinical signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis is exceedingly rare. Our patient is a 25-year-old male who presented with quadriparesis with respiratory distress when he woke up in the morning. There was history of high carbohydrate intake one day prior. On examination he had single breath count of 14 with a reflexic quadriparesis with reduced reflexes and normal sensory and normal cranial nerve examination. He had severe hypokalemia and raised free T4 levels and suppressed thyroid stimulating harmone (TSH). His hypokalemia was corrected and he was started on anti-thyroid drugs and beta-blockers. His weakness improved within hours and he is under regular follow for past one year without any recurrence of any weakness.

Keywords: Hypokalemic, thyrotoxicosis, TSH, paralysis

Cite this Article

Praveen Kumar Yadav. Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: A Rare Presenting Manifestation of Thyrotoxicosis. Research and Reviews: Journal of Neuroscience. 2017; 7(3): 12–14p.