> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Rosebelle Cortes" <[log in to unmask]>
>
>
> Hi!  I hope someone can enlighten me.  My boyfriend
> has hyperthyroidism which was discovered only when he
> had sudden paralysis due to depleted potassium levels
> in his body.
>
> Rosebelle and us all,
>
> Your boufriend's condition is called "Toxic Hypokalemic Periodic
Paralysis".
> This is caused by the Hyperthyroidism and often found as a symptom in men.
> Studies have associated this condition to be ethnically prevalent among
> Asian men although does not rule out appearance in other ethnic groups.
>
> Drs' main concern during an attack is to correct the electrolyte imbalance
> (the hypokalemia-- low potassium). Potassium levels play major roles in
the
> body, especially contractility of muscles-- including that of the heart.
>
> In one study, the use of "Propranolol", a beta-blocker that is commonly
used
> in controlling the fast heart rate of hyperthyroids, is recommended as a
> very good initial management option during an hypokalemic paralysis
> emergency before instituting potassium replacement. The reason has to do
> with the flow of the calcium between the intra and extra-cellular
> compartments, in which, if potassium supplementation is given ahead of the
> beta-blocker, the tendency is to have a "rebound effect" causing an even
> deteriorated condition. This could be what your boyfriend is describing as
> unresponsiveness to the treatment.
>
> Good luck..
>
> Greg
>




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