Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis
- PMID: 32644604
- Bookshelf ID: NBK559178
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.
Copyright © 2025, StatPearls Publishing LLC.
Conflict of interest statement
Sections
References
-
- Ptácek LJ, Tawil R, Griggs RC, Engel AG, Layzer RB, Kwieciński H, McManis PG, Santiago L, Moore M, Fouad G. Dihydropyridine receptor mutations cause hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Cell. 1994 Jun 17;77(6):863-8. - PubMed
-
- Sansone V, Tawil R. Management and treatment of Andersen-Tawil syndrome (ATS). Neurotherapeutics. 2007 Apr;4(2):233-7. - PubMed
-
- Struyk AF, Cannon SC. Paradoxical depolarization of BA2+- treated muscle exposed to low extracellular K+: insights into resting potential abnormalities in hypokalemic paralysis. Muscle Nerve. 2008 Mar;37(3):326-37. - PubMed
Publication types
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources