Severe hypokalemia as a cause of acute transient paraplegia following electrical shock

Transient lower extremity paralysis has been previously reported following high voltage electrical injury. The following case report describes an unusual presentation of transient acute flaccid lower extremity paralysis following a high voltage electrical injury associated with profound hypokalemia and acid/base abnormalities similar to the periodic paralysis syndrome. The patient’s symptoms resolved with correction of severe hypokalemia. Potential mechanisms for a metabolic neuromuscular disorder induced by electrical injury are proposed.