Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis : a treatable cause of weakness

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.