Sporadic adult-onset brainstem hyperkalemic periodic paralysis masquerading as recurrent transient ischemic attacks

Kathryn M A Liang; Bertrand C Liang

doi:10.1002/ccr3.5609

Sporadic adult-onset brainstem hyperkalemic periodic paralysis masquerading as recurrent transient ischemic attacks

Clin Case Rep. 2022 Mar 16;10(3):e05609. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.5609. eCollection 2022 Mar.

Authors

Kathryn M A Liang¹, Bertrand C Liang²

Affiliations

¹ Program in Health Behavior and Health Education School of Public Health University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA.
² Department of Neurology University of Colorado School of Medicine Colorado Springs Branch Colorado Springs Colorado USA.

Abstract

We report a case of adult-onset, sporadic, hyperkalemic periodic paralysis with primary brainstem musculature symptoms masquerading as recurrent transient ischemic attacks. Unilateral brainstem weakness could be induced with rapid eye blinking, which was followed by lower extremity weakness and cramping. Treatment with acetazolamide and albuterol ameliorated the patient's attacks.

Keywords: adult‐onset; brainstem muscle weakness; hyperkalemic; periodic paralysis; recurrent transient ischemic attacks; sporadic.

Publication types

Case Reports