Open AccessPeriodic Paralysis: An Unusual Presentation of Thyrotoxicosis
Author(s) -
Laura Chapman,
Stephen M. Miller
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
acute medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.14
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 1747-4892
pISSN - 1747-4884
DOI - 10.52964/amja.0511
Subject(s) - thyrotoxic periodic paralysis , medicine , periodic paralysis , electrolyte disorder , weakness , complication , paralysis , pediatrics , muscle weakness , presentation (obstetrics) , surgery , hyponatremia
Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis (TPP) is a rare complication of thyrotoxicosis and is up to 20 times more common in males. Cases usually present with painless muscle weakness precipitated by heavy exercise, fasting, an alcohol binge or large carbohydrate meal. Serum potassium is low in the majority, but normokalaemic (or even hyperkalaemic) TPP is recognised. Acute treatment of any electrolyte disorder, administration of a beta-blocker and treatment of the thyrotoxicosis leads to complete resolution. This rare diagnosis should be considered by the Acute Physician when confronted with any case of muscle weakness.