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Emerg Med J 2003;20:e7 doi:10.1136/emj.20.5.e7
  • Electronic pages

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: an unusual presentation of weakness

  1. B Paul,
  2. P Hirudayaraj,
  3. M W Baig
  1. Department of Accident and Emergency, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Doncaster, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr B Paul, Department of Accident and Emergency, Dumfries Royal Infirmary, Dumfries DG1 4AP, UK; 
 bpaulmac{at}hotmail.com
  • Accepted 11 December 2002

Abstract

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a rare endocrine disorder seen predominantly in men of Asian origin. The case is reported of a patient who presented to the accident and emergency department with sudden onset of weakness of his lower limbs. Hypokalaemia was identified and treated with resolution of symptoms. Additional tests identified the patient as being thyrotoxic. He was treated with oral antithyroid drugs. It is important to consider the diagnosis of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in patients presenting with acute onset of weakness. The report discusses the epidemiology, presentation, treatment, and complications of this condition.

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