A Rare Cause of Paresthesia: Hypophosphatemia

Abstract

Phosphate is a structural molecule for cells and also is used as coenzyme or as seconder messenger. Renal or gastrointestinal loss of phosphate, diabetes mellitus, chronic alcoholism, hyperparathyroidism, sepsis, increased glucocorticoid, diuretics and antacids may cause hypophosphatemia. Muscle weakness, paresthesia, confusion, convulsion, tremor and coma are neurological symptoms of hypophosphatemia. Main clinical signs occur due to deterioration oxygen distribution and reduced intracellular adenosine triphosphate. In the treatment of hypophosphatemia identification of underlying causes is important. In this article, a 26-year-old young male patient with paresthesia that is caused by hypophosphatemia due to D vitamin deficiency is reported. Clinicians must be on the alert about phosphate imbalance which is seen more rare than other electrolytes when investigation of patients with paresis and/or paresthesia.