The condition can occur at any age but there appear to be peak ages of onset in childhood at 4 years and 12 years. In general children make a much better recovery than adults. There is a very small risk of mortality due either to unrecognised respiratory complications or to cardio vascular instability in the most seriously affected children. It is thought that treatment with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin shortens recovery time in children. Adults Treatment with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin has been shown to shorten recovery time significantly.
Inheritance patterns None.
Pre-natal diagnosis Not applicable. Contact a Family is a UK charity which helps families who care for children with any disability or special need. We are a main source of information about rare disorders and are able to assist affected adults as well as children. The CaF Directory Online contains details of many medical conditions and also patient support groups. The information in it is also provided as part of the NHS Direct Online service.