title: An unexpected cause of proximal myopathy.
abstract: A 25-year-old man presented with a short history of profound proximal muscle weakness such that he was unable to stand. Laboratory investigations demonstrated hypokalaemia and mildly elevated serum creatine kinase. He reported a history of 8-10 episodes of less severe weakness in the preceding 8 years and his mother reported similar symptoms. The combination of weakness and hypokalaemia with a probable family history suggested the diagnosis of hypokalaemic periodic paralysis. He was treated with intravenous and oral potassium supplementation, and regained full power within 24 h.
authors: Department of General Medicine, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, UK. sarah.townsend2@wales.nhs.uk
authors: Sarah Ann
authors: SA
authors: Townsend
authors: Matt
authors: M
authors: Smith
authors: Wyn
authors: W
authors: Harris
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Chudleigh
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D020514:Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D011188:Potassium / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D011188:Potassium