Thyrotoxicosis with periodic paralysis

Abstract

This case report is intended to highlight the importance of suspecting thyrotoxicosis in cases of periodic flaccid paralysis to facilitate its early diagnosis. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a complication of thyrotoxicosis, more common among males in Asia. It presents as acute flaccid paralysis with associated hypokalemia. The features of thyrotoxicosis may be subtle or absent. We report a case of 33‑year‑old male patient with periodic flaccid paralysis. Hypokalemia secondary to thyrotoxicosis was diagnosed as the cause of the paralysis. The patient was treated with intravenous and oral potassium therapy. The patient showed complete recovery after this management and was discharged after 24 h with no residual paralysis. Thus, in cases of recurrent or acute flaccid muscle paralysis, it is important to consider thyrotoxicosis as one of the possible causes and take measures accordingly.