Periodic Paraplegia as the First Time Presentation of Thyrotoxicosis

Abstract

Abstract:Hyperthyroidism presents with a myriad of symptoms and signs, periodic paralysis is rare among them. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a condition in which there are acute episodes of muscle weakness in patients with high levels of thyroid hormones. Hypokalemia is the commonest cause of muscle weakness in this disorder, but potassium (K + ) levels may be normal in between the attacks. Normal K + levels can also be seen in thyrotoxic normokalemic periodic paralysis where K + levels are normal even during the paralysis. A patient presenting with paralysis as the first presentation in thyrotoxicosis is extremely rare. Here we present a case of twenty one year old male patient presenting with thyrotoxic normokalemic periodic paraplegia as the first presentation.