Drop attacks induced by hypothyroidism.

Drop attacks (DA) are defined as sudden repeated falls without warning and without loss of consciousness. A variety of etiologies are known to be responsible for symptomatic DA, but the reason for idiopathic DA remains obscure. A 70-year-old woman who suffered from classic DA over a period of a year is described. The diagnostic work-up revealed severe myxedema. Treatment with eltroxin resulted in complete clinical and endocrine recovery and disappearance of DA while with discontinuation of hormone replacement therapy, DA reappeared. Thus, a direct relationship between hypothyroidism and DA can be considered.