Neuromuscular Dysfunction and Electrophysiological Findings in Patients With Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

Electrophysiological Findings in Thyroid Disease


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Authors

  • Arzu Akgül Etlik City Hospital, Department of Nephrology, Ankara, Turkey https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8119-3893
  • Lale Akbulut Aktekin Private Clinic, Ankara, Turkey
  • Erdal Eskioğlu Mamak Su Medical Center, Ankara, Turkey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10635564

Keywords:

Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, neuromuscular

Abstract

Background: We aimed to determine the frequency of neuropathy and myopathy in newly diagnosed hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients and to investigate the correlation between serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration and thyroid dysfunction.

Methods: A total of 21 hyperthyroid, 19 hypothyroid, and 20 healthy control subjects were selected for the study. All participants underwent neuromuscular examinations for paresthesia, diffuse pain, muscle cramps, and muscle weakness. Electroneurophysiologic studies were performed on all participants.

Results: Neuromuscular complaints were observed more frequently in the hypothyroid and hyperthyroid groups compared to the control group. Myopathy was detected in 10% of the hypothyroid group and 4% of the hyperthyroid group. Polyphasia potential abnormality was detected in 21% of the hypothyroid group and 14% of the hyperthyroid group. CK elevation was found in 42% of patients in the hypothyroid group and 4% of patients in the hyperthyroid group. There was no correlation between symptoms and CK elevation or between myopathy and thyroid function levels. In the electroneurophysiologic study, 14% neuropathy was found in the hyperthyroidism group and 26% in the hypothyroidism group. In the hypothyroid group, polyneuropathy was found in 10%, and carpal tunnel syndrome was found in 10%. Absence of sensory action potential was found in 10% of the hyperthyroid group and 4% of the hypothyroid group, and low compound muscle action potential was found in 4% of the hyperthyroid group. There was no correlation between thyroid hormone levels and neuropathy.

Conclusion: Neuromuscular complaints and neuropathic findings are highly prevalent in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Neuromuscular symptoms may improve after treatment of thyroid disease. In future studies, comparing post-treatment electrophysiologic values with pre-treatment values and clinical values may more clearly demonstrate the effect of thyroid function on the neuromuscular system.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, neuromuscular

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Published

2024-02-14

How to Cite

Akgül, A., Akbulut Aktekin, L., & Eskioğlu, E. (2024). Neuromuscular Dysfunction and Electrophysiological Findings in Patients With Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism: Electrophysiological Findings in Thyroid Disease. Journal of European Internal Medicine Professionals, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10635564

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