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. Periodic paralysis conditions are types of muscle channelopathies, also known as myopathies.

Types of periodic paralysis
Different types of periodic paralysis include:


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


 * Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HypoKPP)
 * Caused by high potassium.


 * Normokalemic periodic paralysis (NormoKPP)
 * Considered a variant of hyperkaleimic periodic paralysis, patients grow weaker when potassium levels rise.


 * Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis
 * Linked to thyroid hormone levels.


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


 * Potassium aggraved myotonias


 * Paramyotonia Congenita von Eulenberg (PMC)
 * Paramyotonia Congenita

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.

Learn more

 * What is periodic paralysis? - Periodic Paralysis International
 * Periodic paralysis - what clinician needs to know?
 * - Periodic paralysis - Muscular Dystrophy UK