In 1934 Biemond and Daniels first showed that the serum potassium level fell during paralytic episodes in patients with familial periodic paralysis. Subsequently a normokalaemic form of the disease was recognized (1951), while more recently a hyperkalaemic variety was described by Helweg-Larsen, Hauge, and Sagild (1955). This last type of periodic paralysis was given the name adynamia episodica...

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis occurring in thyrotoxicosis is rare in Caucasians and is not often highlighted as an endocrine emergency. Periodic paralysis, without familial background, manifests only in the thyrotoxic patient. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a self-limiting disorder that is cured by the treatment of the underlying hyperthyroidism. We report an unusual case of acute onset weak...

A case ofyoung (20 years old) nale presenting with dranratic onset ofweakness in all the linùs is presented. Patient had three such episodes in the past 2 years lasting for 4-6 hrs. There was no fanùly history of such weakness. A diagnosis of hypolcnlaettùc periodic paralysis was made. Patient was given intravenous potassiun4 intproved considerably and put on acetazolailûde prophylafis. The cas...

Acute hypokalemic paralysis is a rare cause of acute weakness. Morbidity and mortality associated with unrecognized disease can occur and include respiratory failure and possibly death. Common causes of hypokalemic paralysis include thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) which is a disorder most frequently seen in Asian males. TPP is characterized by sudden onset of hypokalemia and paralysis that ...

Periodic paralysis is a rare disorder that causes episodes of severe muscle weakness that can be confused with other diseases, including epilepsy or myasthenia gravis. Hyperkalemic and hypokalemic paralysis are included within these diseases, the latter being divided into periodic paralysis (familial, thyrotoxic or sporadic) and non-periodic paralysis. In this regard, we present a case of famil...

In a patient who had a sudden onset of bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis after forceful neck manipulation complete, though gradual, recovery in lung function and transdiaphragmatic pressures was seen over three years. This is a previously unrecognised risk of neck osteopathy.

An interesting case of familial periodic paralysis came under my care quite recently and incidentally illustrated the hereditary nature of the disease. As the condition is so rare, a resume of the main features of the disease may be given. The disease is seldom seen; only 200 cases have been reported so far. It is characterized by a temporary flaccid paralysis of the muscles of the extremities ...

Periodic flaccid paralysis of skeletal muscle occurring in a thyrotoxic patient, an unusual and dramatic event, is seen predominantly in Oriental men. It is important to remember the clinical association between periodic paralysis and thyrotoxicosis.