Severe hypokalemia as a cause of acute transient paraplegia following electrical shock.
Transient lower extremity paralysis has been previously reported following high voltage electrical injury. The following case report describes an unusual presentation of transient acute flaccid lower extremity paralysis following a high voltage electrical injury associated with profound hypokalemia and acid/base abnormalities similar to the periodic paralysis syndrome. The patient's symptoms resolved with correction of severe hypokalemia. Potential mechanisms for a metabolic neuromuscular disorder induced by electrical injury are proposed.
Dasgupta
R A
RA
Sumner Redstone Burn Center, Surgical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bigelow 1302, Boston 02114, USA.
Schulz
J T
JT
Lee
R C
RC
Ryan
C M
CM
D000328:Adult; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology*; D017419:Potassium, Dietary / Q000627:therapeutic use
D017419:Potassium, Dietary