Hypokalemic periodic paralysis

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Although muscle strength is initially normal between attacks, repeated attacks may eventually cause worsening and permanent muscle weakness between attacks.

Attacks may be triggered by eating meals high in carbohydrate or salt, or by consuming alcohol. Attacks most commonly occur after sleep or rest and are rare during exercise, but rest after an exercise period may trigger an attack. The risk is slightly higher in Asian men who also have thyroid disorders (thyrotoxic periodic paralysis).

Risks include having other family members with periodic paralysis.

Disorders that cause intermittent episodes of paralysis as their primary effect are uncommon. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis occurs in approximately 1 out of 100,000 people.

Review Date: 07/25/2006
Reviewed By: David M. Charytan, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.