INFORMATION ON FAMILIAL PERIODIC PARALYSIS

Periodic paralysis is a uncommon inherited condition that causes irregular episodes of harsh muscle weakness. The two most ordinary types of periodic paralysis are hypokalemic and hyperkalemic.

CAUSES OF FAMILIAL PERIODIC PARALYSIS

Periodic paralysis is a congenital condition—that is, it is present from birth. Familial periodic paralysis is inherited but may take place without a known family history.
The inherited form of the disorder is autonomic dominant, which means that only one affected parent is needed to transmit the gene to the baby. When one parent is affected, the child has a 50% chance of getting the disease.

SYMPTOMS OF FAMILIAL PERIODIC PARALYSIS

While muscle power returns to normal between attacks, repeated sessions of weakness can lead constant muscle weakness later in life. The person remains alert and aware during attacks, and there is no additional loss of sensation.
Periodic bouts of severe weakness in the arms and legs are the most important symptom. Normally these bouts occur during sleep, especially after strenuous activity. Cold, stress, and alcohol may also produce attacks. Some common symptoms may include:

• The patient feels weakness in the eyelids and face muscles
• heartbeat becomes irregular.
• Feels difficulty in breathing or swallowing

TREATMENT OF FAMILIAL PERIODIC PARALYSIS

Since there is no treatment for periodic paralysis, lifelong treatment of periodic paralysis is usually required. Treatment focuses on preventing attacks and relieving symptoms.
There are a few behaviors you can accept to reduce the regularity and severity of attacks:

HYPOKALEMIC:

- Eat a low carbohydrate, low sodium diet
- Avoid strenuous exercise

HYPERKALEMIC:

- Eat a low potassium diet
- Stay warm
- Avoid fasting, alcohol, and unaccustomed heavy exercise.