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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Periodic Loss Of Strength In Legs And Lower Body?

Hi, my brother of 23 years has this periodic loss of strength in his legs and lower body. It is debilitating. He suffers/feels no pain. Can feel each limb. He has done MRI of the scull and his vertebrae. Nothing ugly there. Electrolyte levels look fine as well. There is a thyroid thing in our family. I guess his thyroid gland is hyperactive. He is not taking any medications at this time. What could this be ?
Mon, 17 Aug 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello, according to the description you have written here i suspect he might have what we call as 'periodic paraylsis'. It occurs due to sudden decrease in sodium or potassium for the time period and it comes back to normal in sometime. What i would suggest you is next time whenever he gets this attack of paralysis, immediately before the episode gets over get his electrolytes checked. Depending on the report diagnosis can be made exactly. Its unlikely that thyroid problem can cause periodic paralysis episodes. But you can get his thyroid profile checked just to rule it out as possibility. Thank you
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What Causes Periodic Loss Of Strength In Legs And Lower Body?

Hello, according to the description you have written here i suspect he might have what we call as periodic paraylsis . It occurs due to sudden decrease in sodium or potassium for the time period and it comes back to normal in sometime. What i would suggest you is next time whenever he gets this attack of paralysis, immediately before the episode gets over get his electrolytes checked. Depending on the report diagnosis can be made exactly. Its unlikely that thyroid problem can cause periodic paralysis episodes. But you can get his thyroid profile checked just to rule it out as possibility. Thank you