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SHARE: Familial Periodic Paralyses
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            What are familial periodic paralyses?

Familial periodic paralyses are a group of inherited neurological disorders caused by mutations in genes that regulate sodium and calcium channels in nerve cells. They are characterized by episodes in which the affected muscles become slack, weak, and unable to contract. Between attacks, the affected muscles usually work as normal.

The two most common types are:

1. Hypokalemicperiodic paralysis is characterized by a fall in potassium levels in the blood. Attacks often begin in adolescence and are triggered by:

Strenuous exercise
	High carbohydrate meals
	Injection of insulin, glucose, or epinephrineWeakness may be mild and limited to certain muscle groups, or more severe and affect the arms and legs. Attacks may last for a few hours or persist for several days. Some people may develop chronic muscle weakness later in life.

2. Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis is characterized by a rise in potassium levels in the blood. Attacks often begin in infancy or early childhood and are precipitated by rest after exercise or by fasting. Attacks are usually shorter, more frequent, and less severe than the hypokalemic form. Muscle spasms are common.

Treatment focuses on preventing further attacks and symptom relief. Avoiding carbohydrate-rich meals and strenuous exercise and taking acetazolamide daily may prevent hypokalemic attacks. Attacks can be managed by drinking a potassium chloride oral solution. Eating carbohydrate-rich, low-potassium foods, and avoiding strenuous exercise and fasting, can help prevent hyperkalemic attacks. Dichorphenamide may prevent attacks.

Chronic attacks may result in progressive weakness that persists between attacks. Some cases respond well to treatment, which can prevent or reverse progressive muscle weakness.

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Learn About Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are studies that allow us to learn more about disorders and improve care. They can help connect patients with new and upcoming treatment options.

How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with familial periodic paralyses?

Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about familial periodic paralysesand related disorders. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

For information about participating in clinical research visitNIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with familial periodic paralysesatClinicaltrials.gov.

Where can I find more information about familial periodic paralyses?

Information may be available from the following organizations and resources:

Muscular Dystrophy AssociationPhone:800-572-1717

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
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      Last reviewed on November 28, 2023
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