Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis

A treatable cause of weakness

  • Wan Norlina Wan Azman, Julia Omar, Aniza Mohammed Jelani, Hanim Afzan Ibrahim, Nur Karyatee Kassim

Abstract

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TTP) is a rare disorder seen predominantly in adolescent Asian male. We reported a patient who presented with sudden onset of progressive body weakness associated with palpitations, and tremor. Biochemical investigations have shown hypokalaemia, elevated free thyroxin (FT4) and suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) consistent with TPP. Hypokalaemia was treated and the body weakness resolved. He was started on oral carbimazole. It is important to consider the diagnosis of TPP in patients presenting with acute onset of weakness. TPP is a treatable cause of paralysis. Clinicians need to be aware of the diagnostic and management as delayed recognition could lead potential lethal complications or unnecessary interventions.

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Author Biographies

Wan Norlina Wan Azman, MD

Department of Chemical Pathology,
School of Medical Sciences,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Kelantan, Malaysia.

Julia Omar, MD

Department of Chemical Pathology,
School of Medical Sciences,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Kelantan, Malaysia.

Aniza Mohammed Jelani, MD

Department of Chemical Pathology,
School of Medical Sciences,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Kelantan, Malaysia.

Hanim Afzan Ibrahim, MD

Basic Sciences and Oral Biology Unit,
School of Dental Sciences,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Kelantan, Malaysia.

Department of Chemical Pathology,
School of Medical Sciences,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Kelantan, Malaysia.

Nur Karyatee Kassim, MBBS

Basic Sciences and Oral Biology Unit,
School of Dental Sciences,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Kelantan, Malaysia.

Department of Chemical Pathology,
School of Medical Sciences,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Kelantan, Malaysia.

Issue
Vol. 34 No. 2 (2022)
Section
Case Reports
Published
10-02-2022
Keywords:
thyrotoxic periodic paralysis, hypokalemia, potassium, weakness

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