[Quadriplegia secondary to potassium depletion]

Muscle paralysis due to potassium depletion are unusual. We report the case of a patient who developed quadriplegia and language disorders due to potassium depletion, following large intestinal resection. Potassium supplementation was given intravenously at a rate of 0.25 mmol.kg-1.h-1 during the first 48 h. This allowed complete total and rapid recovery from the paralysis.