Hyperkalaemic Periodic Paralysis

Hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis is usually caused by sodium channels not working as well as they should.

  • The reason they don’t work so well is because of a ‘mistake’  in the gene that is responsible for the sodium channel
  • This gene is called SCN4A

What happens in periodic paralysis?

  • The main symptom is weakness of one or more limbs and at times paralysis

  • Attacks of paralysis vary between different people
    • Typically they last a few hours
    • Attacks generally occur in situations where potassium levels are high in the blood

 

What can trigger an attack?

  • Rest after exercise
  • Stress
  • Eating potassium-rich foods (e.g bananas)