Cannabis Use: An Uncommon Cause of Hypokalemia-Induced Acute Paralysis

Division

Mid America

Hospital

Overland Park Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

8-30-2023

Keywords

acute hypokalemic paralysis, cannabis induced hypokalemia, cannabis use complications, severe hypokalemia etiologies, severe hypokalemia induced paralysis

Disciplines

Internal Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases

Abstract

Severe hypokalemia can have life-threatening complications such as significant muscle weakness, ileus, rhabdomyolysis, and respiratory failure. Here, we report a case of a 33-year-old male who presented with worsening lower extremity weakness and falls after smoking marijuana for six months. Initial labs showed severe hypokalemia. EKG was remarkable for a first-degree AV block, widened QRS complex, and ST segment depression. Intravenous potassium replacement resulted in complete resolution of lower extremity motor weakness. Our case highlights the underdiagnosed association of marijuana use with clinically significant hypokalemia and the rare presentation of severe hypokalemia with acute paralysis.

Publisher or Conference

Cureus

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