Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a condition in which there are episodes of muscle weakness in people with high levels of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis).

Periodic paralysis - thyrotoxic

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a rare condition that occurs only in people with high thyroid hormone levels (thyrotoxicosis). It is seen most commonly in Asian men.

There is a similar disorder, hypokalemic periodic paralysis (familial periodic paralysis). This is an inherited condition and does not have high thyroid levels.

Risk factors include a family history of periodic paralysis and hyperthyroidism.

Images

Thyroid gland

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Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis Symptoms

Review Date: 04/20/2010
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)