Neuromuscular disorders in thyrotoxicosis

The neuromuscular manifestations of thyrotoxicosis can be divided into two categories--myopathic and neuropathic. Chronic thyrotoxic myopathy is the most frequent form of muscle involvement. Acute thyrotoxic myopathy is uncommon but can be quite dramatic. The incidence of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is much higher in orientals than in caucasians. Exophthalmic ophthalmoplegia and myasthenia gravis are other disorders associated with thyrotoxicosis. Most of these conditions are reversible with adequate treatment of the underlying thyrotoxicosis.