A 48 year old lady presented with a 7-week history of progressive generalised myalgia and muscle weakness resulting in recurrent falls. Her past medical history included bipolar affective disorder and a previous stroke. Her medications included clopidogrel 75mg, atorvastatin 80mg, and quetiapine 400mg twice daily.
Abstract
Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis (TPP) is a rare complication of thyrotoxicosis and is up to 20 times more common in males. Cases usually present with painless muscle weakness precipitated by heavy exercise, fasting, an alcohol binge or large carbohydrate meal. Serum potassium is low in the majority, but normokalaemic (or even hyperkalaemic) TPP is recognised. Acute treatment of any electrolyte disorder, administration of a beta-blocker and treatment of the thyrotoxicosis leads to complete resolution. This rare diagnosis should be considered by the Acute Physician when confronted with any case of muscle weakness.
Periodic Paralysis: An Unusual Presentation of Thyrotoxicosis Read More
Abstract
Proximal muscle weakness can present acutely or subacutely to the Acute Medical Unit. Early diagnosis of the underlying pathology is essential due to life threatening complications such as respiratory failure and cardiac disturbances as well as causing significant levels of disability. The diagnosis requires thorough history-taking and examination to discern evidence of true weakness, assess its onset, distribution and severity followed by extensive investigations including a CK level, which if high should raise suspicion of rhabdomyolysis. Assessment of respiratory function should be done promptly to identify patients with associated respiratory muscle weakness and treatment should not be delayed waiting for definitive and confirmatory investigations. Poor response to treatment is unusual when diagnosis is correct; this raises the possibility of an alternative diagnosis.
The patient with Acute Muscular Weakness Read More