Periodic paralysis

Periodic paralysis is a temporary paralysis of part of the body, with reoccurring episodes that last from minutes to hours. There are different types of periodic paralysis, and it can be genetic (inherited) or acquired, and are types of myopathies.

Types of periodic paralysis

 * Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis, known as HypoKPP
 * Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis, linked to thyroid hormone levels
 * Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis, known as HyperKPP
 * Paramyotonia Congenita von Eulenburg
 * Potassium Aggravated Myotonias, and
 * Andersen-Tawil Syndrome

Periodic paralysis in ME/CFS
Some people with ME/CFS develop acquired periodic paralysis; the episodes of limb paralysis occur because of the ion transportation symptoms found in some people with ME/CFS.  Paralysis is not recognized in the International Consensus Primer, but the ion transport and channelopathy impairments that cause it are mentioned in the pathophysiology section, and the response to exercise section.

Types of periodic paralysis
Different types of periodic paralysis include:
 * Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HypoKPP)
 * Caused by high potassium


 * Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HyperKPP)
 * Caused by low potassium

Linked to potassium levels
 * Normokalemic periodic paralysis (NormoKPP)

Linked to thyroid hormone levels
 * Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis


 * Andersen-Tawil syndrome
 * Caused by an inherited defect in a potassium channel, which affects both the heart and skeletal muscle. Patients with Andersen-Tawil Syndrome can experience heart rhythm disturbances even when their blood potassium is normal.


 * Paramyotonia Congenita von Eulenberg
 * Potassium aggraved myotonias

Learn more

 * What is periodic paralysis? - Periodic Paralysis International
 * Periodic paralysis - what clinician needs to know?
 * Myopathies: Facts - genetic and acquired periodic paralysis conditions