Recognizing hypothyroidism from a neurologist eye: tips and tricks

Hypothyroidism the most common endocrine disorder of adults with its protean neurological, neuropsychiatrical and neuromuscular manifestation needs special attention in clinical practice as majority of these symptoms can be reversed on timely administration of levothyroxine and attainment of euthyroid state, Thyroid hormones have critical influence on integral growth, development and functioning of central nervous system. Apart from usual clinical symptoms (especially in females) of constipation, fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, bradycardia and menstrual irregularities, the persistent low thyroid hormones can present with wide range of neurological complications like mononeuropathy (corpal tunnel syndrome) and polyneuropathy, cerebellar ataxia, dementia, psychosis, coma, encephalopathy (Hashimoto's) as well as myopathies.