Hyperthyroidism causes severe hypokalemia in Hanoi man

A 41-year-old man from Hanoi was hospitalized at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases after experiencing severe limb weakness that left him unable to stand or walk. The patient had previously experienced similar symptoms and mistakenly believed he was suffering from low calcium. Consequently, he attempted to self-treat by administering calcium infusions.

Medical examinations revealed that the patient was actually suffering from severe hypokalemia (low potassium levels) caused by hyperthyroidism. Doctors noted that simply supplementing potassium was insufficient, as levels continued to drop, necessitating treatment for the underlying thyroid condition. After six days of combined treatment for both the potassium deficiency and hyperthyroidism, the patient's muscle strength and mobility began to recover.

Medical experts warn that hypocalcemia and hypokalemia can present with similar symptoms, such as numbness or weakness, leading to dangerous misdiagnoses. While low calcium often causes tingling and muscle spasms, severe low potassium can lead to profound muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances.