Hypokalaemic Periodic Paralysis
Hypokalaemic periodic paralysis may be caused by either calcium or 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 making the calcium or sodium channel
- These genes are called CACNA1S and SCN4A
What happens in periodic paralysis?
- The main symptom is weakness of the arms and legs, and at times paralysis
- Attacks of paralysis vary between different people
- Typically attacks last several hours but can last days
- Attacks usually occur because potassium levels are low in the blood
- Patients will often awake with attacks
What can trigger an attack?
- Excessive exercise
- Stress
- High-carbohydrate meals