Hypokalaemic periodic paralysis in an African-case report

The case history of a typical case of hypokalaemic periodic paralysis is described. A 21-year-old male Ugandan African presented with his second attack of complete flaccid tetraplegia. Serum potassium levels, ECG changes ,nd response to therapy were entirely consistent with the diagnosis. Family history was negative. It is possible that this rare disorder has not previously been reported in an African. Possible mechanisms involved in the disorder are briefly discussed.