Periodic paralysis in hyperthyroidism

Abstract

8% of 432 patients with thyrotoxicosis had attacks of periodic paralysis. Males were predominantly affected. 14 of these patients have been reported clinically. Muscle biopsy material between and during paralytic attacks has been described histologically and examined chemically. In contrast to thyrotoxic myopathy, the electrolyte and water profile has differed little from normal. Moreover, apart from slight reduction in intra-cellular potassium concentration, this has also been true during paralysis when there has been other evidence of considerable shifts of potassium and water between blood stream and muscle.