NOWADAYS the case of three brothers from the Mian Kundi village near Quetta is a hot topic in the media.

A number of diseases with similar features has already been described in the medical literature. It is called `familial periodic paralysis` The physicians concerned should perform tests for thyroid function, and also check the level of potassium in the blood. These simple tests may help in the diagnosis.

Dr Tahir Anis Karachi