|
|
| June |
|
Forty-nine year old June has suffered from hyper/hypo-thyroidism for more than 15 years. Initially, she took a radioactive medicine for treatment and destroyed her thyroid function. Later on, she had to take Synthroid (a medicine to make up thyroid function) every day to balance her body chemicals.
In the summer of 2000, June traveled to Hong Kong with her daughter. Before she left, she had trouble
sleeping and always felt tired. But shook off the feeling, saying that she just needed more sleep. During
the flight, she felt some minor cramps in her legs, but ignored them.
After she arrived on July 8, June still had trouble sleeping. She often only had two or three hours of sleep
each night. Her sisters noticed that she was very forgetful, talked nonsense, acted strangely, and cried
without reasons. They took her to see their family doctor, Dr. Poon. Dr. Poon prescribed medicine that
would help her sleeping problems. He gave her Propanolol, Domar, Tw MNt6, Prochlorperazine Capsules,
and Kphadol tab. The medicine did not help. Next night, June fell from her bed, and had a fever of 99
degrees F. Dr. Poon suggested she see a specialist Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee diagnosed June as being Depressive Neurotic. He prescribed Camden Camgestic tablet,
Paracetamol, Oraphenadrive, Propranolol, and Valiner. Also he suggested her to take a brain scan. There
was no problem found in the scan, and no improvement on her condition. June's condition worsened.
Her family sent her to St. Paul's Hospital. The hospital recommended Dr. Lau to see her. Dr. Lau
diagnosed her with psychotic breakdown and required medication and supportive psychotherapy. During
staying in the hospital, she experienced two or three seizures. Dr. Lau explained that the seizures might
be triggered by the psychotic problems. Dr. Lau prescribed Serenace, Trittico, Sedapam, Sinequen, and
Inderal.
Her problems did not improve. Finally on the 21st, June was allowed to leave the hospital. After leaving
the hospital, she was slow, stubborn, and angry some times. June's hands were sweating a lot, and her
face would turn very red-almost blue, like she could not breathe. She always woke up at midnight, and
screamed often, and her whole body would shake. Finally on July 27th, she went to see another specialist,
Dr. Hong. His prescription was Rivotril, Olanzapine, Diazepam, Diazepam, Dormain, and Trazodone.
June's condition worsened after taking Dr. Hong's medicine. She had seizures or convulsions most of time.
On July 30, she was comatose and was sent to the Hong Kong Baptist Hospital. Dr. Chin, a neurology
specialist, was her main treating doctor. She was febrile, had no focus sign, and plantar response absent.
She was also experiencing grand mal convulsion frequently. She was kept in ICU for 16 days, and then
transferred to the general ward when she was still comatose. She was diagnosed with "acute viral
encephalitis" with status epileptics. EEG showed alpha-coma pattern. She was given intravenous
Diantin, Epilims, Acyclovir, Fortum, Netromycin, Dompamine (Valium and Paraldehyde prn). Her seizure
was largely controlled, but still was comatose. The doctor was not optimistic and worried that she might
become vegetative.
Finally, on September 5, she woke up and was able to communicate with people. Before she woke up,
she had involuntary leg movement, occasionally eye blanking and rolling and tongue sticking out. After she
woke up, she recovered rapidly. But she had a severe short-term memory defect with a numbness on the
right fingers. She still took the medications of Neurontin, Clonazepam, Melleril, and Thyroxine.
After returning to U.S., she saw Dr. Swift of the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). Dr. Swift diagnosed
her as Hashimoto's encephalitis, which was induced by hypo-thyroidism. She was prescribed a heavy dose
of Prednison initially, then reducing to light dose. Her condition has been improved significantly. The
short-term memory has come back, and she does not often complain the numbness of the fingers. Right
now, June has lived a normal life. She can do daily house work. She can drive and go to market or pick up
the kids at the school. We are thankful that June has come back to us.
Hashimoto's encephalitis is a rare disease that is associated with hypothyroidism. It is suspected that thyroid auto antibodies in serum are raised which
attacks the healthy cells and organs such as the brain. Symptoms such as delmentia, myoclonus, ataxia, and epileptic seizures were observed in the
patients. (referred from internet) Hopefully, this article can provide information for the patients of hypo or hyperthyroidism, and take proper precautions,
and for the patients who suffer from Hashimoto's encephalitis to obtain proper treatments.
|
Ming Wong
Georgia, U.S.A.
Posted: April 23, 2001 |
|
|
