Thyrotoxic neuropathy; an under recognized condition: A clinical vignette

Abstract

Neurological sequelae such as neuromuscular or primary muscle disorders are well recognized complications of hyperthyroidism. However, the association of neuropathy with thyrotoxicosis is uncommon. Thyrotoxic neuropathy or Basedow's paraplegia is a rarely reported entity, which was first described by Charcot in 1889. We are reporting the case of a middle-aged man with subacute distal neuropathy as the presenting manifestation of thyrotoxicosis which improved on antithyroid treatment. Peripheral neuropathy in hyperthyroidism is underdiagnosed and may be found even in patients with mild thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid function tests can be helpful in the diagnosis of this treatable neuropathy in such cases and hence should be included in the routine workup in patients with peripheral neuropathy.