Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis: A Rare Indication for Thyroidectomy

Results: A 36 year old Afghan male presented to a tertiary care center with weakness. Physical examination was significant for 0/5 muscle strength in all extremities and slow extraocular movements. Laboratory findings revealed hypokalemia, hyperthyroidism, and elevated thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins. He was treated medically for hypokalemic thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. Over the course of the next year, he was treated with anti-thyroid medications, but had two more episodes of hypokalemic paralysis. The patient was referred to our clinic, and a total thyroidectomy was performed. Thyroid hormone replacement was started; the hospital course and subsequent follow-up were without complications.