Drop attacks induced by hypothyroidism.
Drop attacks (DA) are defined as sudden repeated falls without warning and without loss of consciousness. A variety of etiologies are known to be responsible for symptomatic DA, but the reason for idiopathic DA remains obscure. A 70-year-old woman who suffered from classic DA over a period of a year is described. The diagnostic work-up revealed severe myxedema. Treatment with eltroxin resulted in complete clinical and endocrine recovery and disappearance of DA while with discontinuation of hormone replacement therapy, DA reappeared. Thus, a direct relationship between hypothyroidism and DA can be considered.
Kramer
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Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Achiron
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D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D009230:Myxedema / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy