A case report on thyrotoxic periodic paralysis from Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a disorder comprising acute hypokalaemia, intermittent muscle weakness and thyrotoxicosis. TPP is a rare manifestation of thyrotoxicosis predominantly seen in Asian people. We reported a patient who was brought to the emergency department with acute onset of weakness of her lower limbs. After a series of investigations, the patient was diagnosed as a case of thyrotoxicosis. The patient was placed on carbimazole, which prevented further attacks. The patient's improvement was satisfactory, and she is currently symptom free. Because of the presenting feature, its precipitating factor, the absence of a family history of periodic paralysis and the improvement of a clinical parameter after the starting of the antithyroid treatment, the condition was diagnosed as thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. The physician should concern about thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in people who present with weakness and features of thyrotoxicosis. A high prediction, early diagnosis and treatment of the condition can prevent severe complications, such as cardiac dysrhythmia.

Keywords

• bangladesh
• dhaka
• report
• thyrotoxic periodic paralysis