Pot paresis: marijuana and a case of hypokalemic periodic paralysis

J Emerg Med. 2009 Apr;36(3):236-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.03.011. Epub 2007 Aug 2.

Abstract

A Polynesian (Maori) man presented with muscle pain and weakness 36 h after smoking marijuana and then going on an eating binge, consuming a large amount of salt and carbohydrates. The electrocardiogram showed hypokalemic changes. Serum potassium was 2.0 mmoles/L. His symptoms and the hypokalemia resolved within 12 h of presentation without any treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carbohydrates
  • Electrocardiography
  • Energy Intake
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia / blood*
  • Hypokalemia / drug therapy
  • Hypokalemia / etiology*
  • Hypokalemia / therapy
  • Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis / diagnosis
  • Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis / etiology
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Paraparesis, Spastic / diagnosis*
  • Paraparesis, Spastic / etiology*
  • Paraparesis, Spastic / therapy

Substances

  • Carbohydrates