Propranolol Reversal of Bulbar Dysfunction and Proximal Myopathy in Hyperthyroidism
Authors: ROBERT WEINSTEIN
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1975)

Letters1 April 1975Propranolol Reversal of Bulbar Dysfunction and Proximal Myopathy in HyperthyroidismROBERT WEINSTEIN, M.D., ROBERT SCHWARTZMAN, M.D., GERALD S. LEVEY, M.D., F.A.C.P.ROBERT WEINSTEIN, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, ROBERT SCHWARTZMAN, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, GERALD S. LEVEY, M.D., F.A.C.P.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-82-4-540 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptHyperthyroidism may be associated with both muscular and central and peripheral nervous system dysfunction and is seen more frequently than expected in myasthenia gravis and hypokalemic periodic paralysis. We are reporting the case of a patient with thyrotoxicosis with proximal myopathy and bulbar dysfunction who responded dramatically to the beta-adrenergic blocking drug propranolol hydrochloride.A 37-year-old Jamaican woman was admitted for evaluation of "a tight, choking feeling on swallowing," "pain behind her eyes," and "severe weakness" of 2 weeks' duration. The patient noted an 11.3-kg [25-lb.] weight loss the preceding month that was associated with increasing tremor, nervousness, tachycardia, sweating,...References1. VINIKPIMSTONEHOFFENBERG ABR: Sympathetic nervous system blockade in hyperthyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 28:725-727, 1968 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. PIMSTONEMARINEPIMSTONE NNB: Beta-adrenergic blockade in thyrotoxic myopathy. Lancet 2:1219-1220, 1968 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. KAMMERHAMILTON GE: Acute bulbar muscle dysfunction and hyperthyroidism: a study of four cases and review of the literature. Am J Med 56:464-470, 1974 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. VAUGHAN WILLIAMSPAPP EJ: The effect of oxprenolol on cardiac intracellular potentials in relation to its anti-arrhythmic, local anaesthetic and other properties. Postgrad Med J 46 (suppl):22-32, 1970 Google Scholar5. GROSSMANROBINJOHNSON WNL: The enhanced myocardial contractility of thyrotoxicosis. Role of the beta adrenergic receptor. Ann Intern Med 74:869-874, 1971 LinkGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: ROBERT WEINSTEIN, M.D.; ROBERT SCHWARTZMAN, M.D.; GERALD S. LEVEY, M.D., F.A.C.P.Affiliations: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism Department of Medicine Department of Neurology University of Miami School of Medicine Miami, Florida 33152 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byAcute Thyrotoxic Bulbar Myopathy with Encephalopathic Behaviour: An Uncommon Complication of HyperthyroidismAcute bulbar weakness: Thyrotoxicosis or myasthenia gravis?The effects of propranolol on skeletal muscle contraction, lipid peroxidation products and antioxidant activity in experimental hyperthyroidismDisfunção crônica da musculatura de inervação bulbar no hipertireoidismo: relato de casoLUNG FUNCTION AND RESPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH AFTER PROPRANOLOL IN THYROTOXICOSISThyrotoxicosisThe treatment of hyperthyroidismClinical Features of Adrenergic Agonists and Antagonists 1 April 1975Volume 82, Issue 4Page: 540-541KeywordsAnxietyDrugsEmotionsHyperthyroidismMyasthenia gravisParalysisPeripheral nervous systemSwallowingTachycardiaWeight loss ePublished: 1 December 2008 Issue Published: 1 April 1975 PDF downloadLoading ...