HYPOKALEMIC PARALYSIS IN ASSOCIATION WITH ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS - A REPORT OF A SPORADIC CASE

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a condition, characterized by episod ic weakness of the skeletal muscle. It may be presented as familial or sporadic (secondary). In sporadic cases, the patient may present with paralysis without any previous self or familial history. It is known that these patients are more susceptible to hypokalemia than normal in dividuals. In low serum K+ concentrations that the normal population c an tolerate, these patients may easily suffer from paralysis. A sporad ic case of hypokalemic quadriparesis associated with acute gastroenter itis without any self or family history is reported. The patient had e xperienced two episodes of quadriparesis within a short interval and r esponded dramatically to potassium replacement therapy.