title: Dysarthria as the leading symptom of hypothyroidism.
abstract: Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism are lethargy, cold intolerance, slowing of intellectual and motor activity, declining appetite, increasing weight, and dry skin. A 43-year-old man with hypothyroidism presented with dysarthria as the leading symptom. Further symptoms were cramps in the legs after exercise, dizziness, and stunned feeling. He suffered from severe snoring for 4 years, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was diagnosed 2 years before. Creatine phosphokinase was elevated. Electromyography was myogenic. Echocardiography showed a thickened myocardium. An otolaryngologic investigation revealed macroglossia and hypertrophy of the uvula. After administration of L-thyroxine, the symptoms rapidly improved. Dysarthria may be the leading symptom of hypothyroidism and can be promptly resolved after hormone substitution.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Abteilung, Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung,Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stöllberger
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Finsterer
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brand
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tschabitscher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004401:Dysarthria / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008260:Macroglossia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D013974:Thyroxine