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. 2008 Oct 21;1(1):256.
doi: 10.1186/1757-1626-1-256.

Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: a case report and review of the literature

Benjamin R Soule  1 , Nicole L Simone
Affiliations

Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: a case report and review of the literature

Benjamin R Soule et al. Cases J. .

Abstract

Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis is one form of Periodic Paralysis, a rare group of disorders that can cause of sudden onset weakness. A case of a 29 year old male is presented here. The patient presented with sudden onset paralysis of his extremities. Laboratory evaluation revealed a markedly low potassium level. The patient's paralysis resolved upon repletion of his low potassium and he was discharged with no neurologic deficits. An association with thyroid disease is well established and further workup revealed Grave's disease in this patient. Although rare, Periodic Paralysis must differentiated from other causes of weakness and paralysis so that the proper treatment can be initiated quickly.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Progression of EKG Findings. (A) The initial EKG revealed Mobitz Type I heart block. Several p-waves (solid arrows) are present that are not associated with a QRS complex. The duration of the PR interval continues to increase until a QRS is skipped (open arrow). (B) After treatment, the EKG revealed a return to a sinus rhythm.
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