Neurologic manifestations of hypothyroidism

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is not frequently accompanied by various signs and symptoms related to the central and peripheral nervous system. Such signs may precede correct diagnosis by up to five years. Three patients with long standing hypothyroidism who developed nervous system signs are described. One suffered from neuropathy of the VIth and VIIIth cranial nerves, including both vestibular and cochlear portions. The second patient presented cerebellar signs and the third had epileptic fits and peripheral neuropathy. All patients recovered and symptoms disappeared progressively with appropriate thyroid therapy. Other nervous system manifestations of hypothyroidism include paresthesias, headache, psychomotor slowness, psychotic states and coma. If the possibility of hypothyroidism is kept in mind, unnecessary diagnostic procedures may be avoided in patients presenting a variety of otherwise unexplained neurological signs.