35-year-old man paralysed after eating rasgullas? Hyderabad neurologist explains what happened

Who doesn't love rasgullas but for a 35-year-old man the famous sweets took a deadly turn. The case was shared online by Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, who popularly known as Hyderabad doctor. The doctor said the incident was not due to food poisoning, noting the sweets were fresh.

According to the neurologist’s post, the man had suffered similar episodes three times over the past six months, each triggered after consuming carbohydrate-rich food. The case was presented as a medical quiz, with the correct diagnosis identified as Hypokalemic periodic paralysis, likely linked to an underlying thyroid issue.

What happened?

The patient developed sudden, severe weakness (flaccid paralysis) following the intake of high-carbohydrate sweets. Key clues that pointed to the diagnosis included:

• Recurrent episodes of sudden weakness
• Trigger linked to high-carb food like rasgullas
• No sensory loss
• Occurrence in a young male

The science behind it

Dr Kumar explained that consuming a large amount of carbohydrates can trigger a spike in insulin levels. This, in turn, causes potassium to shift from the bloodstream into cells, leading to acute hypokalemia (low potassium levels). The sudden drop in potassium disrupts muscle function, resulting in temporary paralysis.

The condition, known as hypokalemic periodic paralysis, is often associated with hyperthyroidism, particularly in Asian men.

What tests are needed?

Dr Kumar said during such paralysis attack, doctors typically check:

• Serum potassium levels (usually low)
• Thyroid function tests

Treatment and management

Dr Kumar revealed that in such cases the treatment involves:

• Careful potassium supplementation
• Addressing the underlying thyroid disorder for long-term prevention

A word of caution, not panic

The neurologist emphasised that this is a rare condition and shared the case for awareness. In a follow-up comment, he reassured people that there’s no need to fear sweets entirely, advising moderation instead.