Paroxysmal choreoathetosis as a presenting symptom in idiopathic hypoparathyroidism

A patient with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism presenting with spells of paroxysmal choreoathetosis is described. The possible mechanisms by which hypoparathyroidism induces choreoathetosis and other extrapyramidal motor dyfunctions are discussed. The need for screening patients with extrapyramidal disease for hypoparathyroidism is stressed.