Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis

Excerpt

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) is a rare disorder characterized by episodic severe muscle weakness, often triggered by strenuous exercise or a high-carbohydrate diet. Patients with HypoPP experience a sudden onset of generalized or focal flaccid paralysis associated with low blood serum potassium levels (hypokalemia), which can last for several hours to days.

The majority of HypoPP cases are familial. The familial form of HypoPP is a rare disorder resulting from mutations in either the voltage-gated calcium or sodium ion channels, predominantly affecting skeletal muscle cells. Acquired cases of HypoPP are associated with hyperthyroidism.