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)