[Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. Its nosographic situation]

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis is a well-defined syndrome from the standpoint of clinical, electromyographic, biochemical, microscopic and etiologic features. The syndrome is characterized by acute episodes of flaccid para or tetraplegia induced by excess exogenous or endogenous thyroid hormones. This syndrome is distinct from thyrotoxic myopathy and familial periodic paralysis. The rare occurrence of TPP compared to that of hyperthyroidism, is higher incidence in males and Asiatics and the role of high carbohydrate intake raise questions as to the predisposing factors which lead thyroid hormones to directly or indirectly modify muscle membrane permeability to electrolytes. Cure of hyperthyroidism consistently results in arresting the sequence of the paralytic attacks.