A case of thyrotoxic normokalemic periodic paralysis

Abstract

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is an uncommen complication of hyperthyroidism. Patients present with acute onset of proximal symmetrical lower-extremity muscle weakness during the early morning hours or while resting after strenuous exertion and a high-carbohydrate meal. Almost all patients have hypokalemia. Thyrotoxic normokalemic periodic paralysis (TNPP) is actually very rare, only a few cases have been reported previously. In this paper we describe a case of TNPP in a 38 years old men, who developed acutely weakness in all extremities. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and therapy of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis were discussed in the light of the literatur.