Case Report

Acute Quadriplegia in a 34-Year-Old Man

Authors: MIGUEL A. PARIL, MD, LAURA C. GONZALEZ, MD

Abstract

ABSTRACT &NA; A 34‐year‐old man of Native American descent had flaccid paralysis of the extremities 2 days after a camping trip. He had no respiratory difficulty, sensory deficit, or abnormal reflexes. He was subsequently found to have a serum potassium level of 1.6 mEq/L, a thyrotropin level of <0.06 μIU/L, and a free thyroxin level of 5.30 ng/dL. Thyroid uptake and scan were consistent with those of Graves' disease. Symptoms rapidly resolved with potassium chloride, propranolol, prednisone, and antithyroid therapy. No further episodes occurred.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References