children s health issues
Familial Periodic Paralysis
Treatment and Prevention
Depends on the form People with this form can takepotassium chloridein an unsweetened solution or have it injected into a vein while an attack is in progress. Usually symptoms improve considerably within an hour. People with the hypokalemic form should also avoid meals rich in carbohydrates and salt, avoid alcohol after periods of rest, and avoid strenuous exercise.Acetazolamide, a medication that alters the blood’s acidity, may help prevent attacks. People with this form can stop a mild attack by doing light exercise and eating a carbohydrate-rich meal. If an attack is persistent, medications (such as a thiazide diuretic or inhaledalbuterol) can help lower the potassium level. If an attack is severe, doctors give calcium orinsulinand glucose by vein. People can prevent attacks by eating frequent meals rich in carbohydrates and low in potassium and by avoiding fasting, strenuous activity after meals, and exposure to cold. People with this form are givenpotassium chloride(as in the hypokalemic form), and doctors closely monitor levels of potassium in the blood during severe attacks. To prevent attacks, doctors give people medications to keep their thyroid gland functioning properly and beta-blockers (such aspropranolol). People with this form may prevent attacks by making lifestyle changes, including tightly controlling levels of exercise or activity, and by takingacetazolamide. People may need a heart Artificial Pacemakers or 