Some patients may develop a fixed muscle weakness later in life. Individuals with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis may display a rise in potassium levels in the blood during attacks. Heart arrhythmias may also develop during these attacks in some families. Treatment of the periodic paralyses focuses on preventing further attacks and relieving acute symptoms. Medications such as acetazolamide and dichlorophenamide may be beneficial in preventing attacks from occurring or in decreasing the frequency of the attacks.
Some attacks are often so brief that treatment is unnecessary.
Potassium may be given during attacks of hypokalemic periodic paralysis in an effort to stop the attack. The prognosis for the periodic paralyses varies. Chronic attacks may result in progressive weakness that may persist between attacks. Some cases respond well to treatment, which may prevent, and in some instances reverse, progressive muscle weakness. The prognosis for the periodic paralyses varies.