INFORMATION ON PERIODIC PARALYSES

The periodic paralysis is a result of inherited disorders of voluntary muscle. Periodic paralyses usually characterized by intermittent attacks of weakness, during which affected muscles become slack, weak, and unable to contract.

The two most common types of periodic paralyses are:-

1. Hypokalemic: - which is caused by mutations in the calcium channel gene on chromosome 1.
2. Hyperkalemic: - which is caused by mutations in the sodium channel on chromosome 17.

CAUSES OF PERIODIC PARALYSES

The only and the most important reason for the development of periodic paralyses is mutation in gene. Other reason for the development of periodic paralyses can be:-

1. Inheritation of disease from parents to child.
2. Strenuous exercise.
3. Carbohydrate-rich food.
4. Salty food.
5. Alcohol.
6. Emotional stress.
7. Cold.
8. Fasting.
9. Resting after exertion.
10. Stress.
11. Pregnancy.

SYMPTOMS OF PERIODIC PARALYSIS

The various symptoms that are shown by a subject with periodic paralyses are:-

1. Weakness of muscles.
2. Difficulty in speaking.
3. Rate of breathing gets reduced.
4. Difficulty in moving.

DIAGNOSIS OF PERIODIC PARALYSES

Clinical procedure for making diagnosis of subject with periodic paralyses is:-

1. Blood test.
2. EMG.
3. Muscles biopsy.
4. ECG.

TREATMENT OF PERIODIC PARALYSES

So far there is no cure for periodic paralyses. But the treatment focuses on blocking further attacks and relieving severe symptoms like myotonia. Periodic paralyses are rarely life threatening, and some attacks can be so brief that they do not require treatment.
Subjects with Hypokalemic periodic paralysis, prescribing potassium may stop attack. Taking regular doses of potassium will not prevent future attacks. Another method of treatment for Hypokalemic attacks is to eat a low-carbohydrate and low-salt diet. Medications such as acetazolamide also proved to be effective in preventing attacks in subjects with Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis.

Subjects with Hyperkalemic type of periodic paralysis, intake of high-carbohydrate diet can be recommended. When a subject is experiencing an attack, glucose or other forms of carbohydrates may be given in order to reduce the severity of the attack.