Misdiagnosis of Thyroid Issues After Seizures
Author Information
Author(s): Wada Akira, Suzuki Yoshiaki, Midorikawa Sanae, Takeuchi Satoshi, Kunii Yasuto, Yabe Hirooki, Niwa Shin-Ichi
Primary Institution: Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can non-convulsive status epilepticus cause thyroid-stimulating hormone elevation that is misdiagnosed as subclinical hypothyroidism?
Conclusion
The study suggests that TSH elevation following non-convulsive status epilepticus can be misdiagnosed as subclinical hypothyroidism, leading to inappropriate treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had elevated TSH levels but normal fT3 and fT4 levels.
- She was misdiagnosed and treated with levothyroxine, which induced further seizures.
- Endocrine tests showed no evidence of thyroid disorder after episodes of NCSE.
Takeaway
A woman had high thyroid hormone levels after a seizure, but doctors thought she had a thyroid problem and gave her medicine that made her seizures worse.
Methodology
Case report detailing the patient's medical history, symptoms, and treatment.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in diagnosis due to the rarity of non-convulsive status epilepticus.
Limitations
The findings are based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
68-year-old Japanese woman.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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