Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: A case Report and Review of the Literature
Abstract
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (hypoPP) is a disorder that causes occasional episodes of muscle weakness and sometimes a lower than normal level of potassium in the blood during the attack. HypoPP is one of a group of genetic disorders that includes hyperkalemic periodic paralysis and thyrotoxic periodic paralysis among others.
A 45 year old male presented with quadriplegia for 1 day of sudden onset following heavy exercise one day before the attack, Laboratory evaluation revealed a markedly low potassium level of 1.7 meq/L, normal thyroid function test , and normal magnesium level .
The patient's paralysis resolved during replacement of his low potassium within 48 hours of ICU admission and he was discharged with no neurologic deficits.
He has a family history of similar condition (1st and 2nd degree relatives).
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