Open Access“I'm so weak I feel paralyzed. Can you help me?” A case on thyrotoxic periodic paralysis
Author(s) -
Mehrdad Alaie,
Jasicki Stanton,
Chheda Somil
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of the american college of emergency physicians open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2688-1152
DOI - 10.1002/emp2.12597
Subject(s) - thyrotoxic periodic paralysis , hypokalemia , medicine , periodic paralysis , paralysis , weakness , pediatrics , emergency department , anesthesia , surgery , psychiatry
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (PP) is a rare condition characterized by muscle weakness in the form of hyperthyroidism and hypokalemia. We present the case of a 38‐year‐old Hispanic male with PP that had been occurring over the course of 4 years. After several emergency department visits, the cause of his symptoms was still unknown. Initial laboratory testing revealed critical hypokalemia with associated electrocardiogram (ECG) changes. Further laboratory evaluation revealed hyperthyroidism, and the diagnosis of thyrotoxic PP was made. The patient received potassium supplementation with complete resolution of his symptoms and resolution of pathologic ECG changes. Our patient was started on propranolol and methimazole to treat his hyperthyroidism. Not well documented in previous reports, we stress the importance of using serial ECGs as an adjunct to patient improvement.