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