Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis

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Muscular atrophy

Weakness most commonly affects the muscles of the arms and legs. Heart arrhythmias may occasionally develop during attacks. Although muscle strength is initially normal between attacks, repeated attacks may eventually cause progressive and persistent muscle weakness between attacks.

Risks include a family history of periodic paralysis. Attacks may be triggered by fasting. Attacks seldom occur during exercise but may be triggered by rest following exercise.

Disorders such as hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, which cause intermittent episodes of paralysis as their primary effect, are uncommon. More commonly, an intermittent episode of paralysis or weakness is a symptom of another disorder.

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis occurs in approximately 1 in every 100,000 people. Men are affected more often than women and usually have more severe symptoms.

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.