children s health issues
Familial Periodic Paralysis
Symptoms of Familial Periodic Paralysis
During an attack of weakness, the person remains completely awake and alert. Muscles in the eye and face are not affected. Weakness may affect only certain muscles or all 4 limbs. In this form, attacks generally first appear before age 16 but may appear during the 20s and always by age 30. The attacks last up to 24 hours. Often, the person awakens the day after vigorous exercise with an attack of weakness. The weakness may be mild and limited to certain muscle groups or may affect all 4 limbs. However, eating meals rich in carbohydrates (sometimes hours or even the day before), emotional or physical stress, alcohol ingestion, and exposure to cold can also cause attacks. Eating carbohydrates and exercising vigorously drive sugar into cells. Potassium moves with the sugar, and the result is lowered potassium levels in the blood and urine. In this form, attacks often begin by age 10. The attacks last 15 minutes to 1 hour. Weakness tends to be less severe than in the hypokalemic form. Fasting, rest shortly after exercise, or exercise after meals may trigger attacks. Myotonia (very stiff muscles caused by a delayed ability to relax the muscles after contracting them) is common. Myotonia of the eyelids may be the only symptom. In this form, attacks of weakness last hours to days and are usually triggered by exercise, stress, or eating foods rich in carbohydrates, similar to the hypokalemic form. People have symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as anxiety, tremors, palpitations, and heat intolerance. In this form, attacks of weakness usually begin before age 20 and are triggered by rest after exercise. Episodes may last for days and occur monthly. People with this form may also have other disorders such as an abnormally curved spine ( Scoliosis ), webbed toes ( 