The hidden crisis: a rare case of thyrotoxicosis in a young female, mimicking neuromuscular disease

Authors

• Ali Haider Awan, Ibn e Seena HospitalFollow
• Seerat Riaz, Department of Medicine, Ibn e Seena Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan.
• Hafiz Muhammad Hashim Butt, Department of Medicine, Ibn e Seena Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan.
• Sajeela Riaz, Department of Medicine, Ibn e Seena Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan.
• FNU Sameeha, Department of Medicine, Ibn e Seena Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan
• Hilana Soliman Omar, Ibn e seena hospitalFollow
• Shafia Naeem, Ibn e seena hospitalFollow
• Abida Perveen, Department of Medicine, Ibn e Seena Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan.Follow
• Jahanzeb Malik, Ibn seena HospitalFollow

Abstract

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare but life-threatening cause of acute flaccid paralysis associated with hypokalemia. Although more common in males and individuals of Asian descent, it may present atypically in young females and be easily misdiagnosed. We report a case of a 30-year-old female who presented with acute quadriparesis. Extensive neuromuscular evaluation initially pointed toward Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), but subsequent investigations revealed profound hypokalemia. Further workup confirmed thyrotoxicosis as the underlying cause. Prompt potassium replacement and initiation of antithyroid therapy led to complete clinical recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering both endocrine disorders and electrolyte disturbances, such as hypokalemia, in the differential diagnosis of acute paralysis.

Recommended Citation

Awan, Ali Haider; Riaz, Seerat; Butt, Hafiz Muhammad Hashim; Riaz, Sajeela; Sameeha, FNU; Omar, Hilana Soliman; Naeem, Shafia; Perveen, Abida; and Malik, Jahanzeb (2026) "The hidden crisis: a rare case of thyrotoxicosis in a young female, mimicking neuromuscular disease," Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives: Vol. 16: Iss. 3, Article 3.
DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1588
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.gbmc.org/jchimp/vol16/iss3/3

DOI

10.55729/2000-9666.1588