AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION OF HYPOKALEMIC PARALYSIS IN FACIOMAXILLARY SURGERY

Dr. Talal Bokhamsin* and Farhan Shahzad

ABSTRACT

Hypokalaemic periodic paralysis is a condition that causes episodes of extreme muscle weakness typically beginning in childhood or adolescence. Most often, these episodes involve a temporary inability to move muscles in the arms and legs. Attacks cause severe weakness or paralysis that usually lasts from hours to days. Some people may have episodes almost every day, while others experience them weekly, monthly, or only rarely. Attacks can occur without warning or can be triggered by factors such as rest after exercise, a viral illness, or certain medications. Hypokalaemia is a common electrolyte imbalance in surgical speciality which may be the cause of sudden onset of weakness. A case of a 20 year old female is presented here. The patient presented with sudden onset paralysis of her left side of face. Laboratory evaluation revealed a markedly low potassium level. The patient's paralysis resolved upon repletion of his low potassium and he was discharged with no neurologic deficits. Although rare, hypokalaemic Paralysis must differentiated from other causes of weakness and paralysis like facial nerve paresis or palsy so that the proper treatment can be initiated quickly.

Keywords: Hypokalaemia, Paralysis, Electrolyte imbalance, Potassium level.