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Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis

Alternative Names:

Paramyotonia congenita; Periodic paralysis - hyperkalemic

Symptoms:

Signs and tests:

The health care provider may suspect hyperkalemic periodic paralysis based on a family history of the disorder. Other clues to the disorder are symptoms that come and go and normal or high results of a potassium test. The health care provider will also run tests to rule out other disorders as the cause of intermittent weakness.

Between attacks, examination is normal. During an attack, the following may be observed:

Attacks are not triggered by tests that reduce serum potassium (such as giving insulin and glucose), but may be triggered by giving potassium. Serum potassium is normal or high during attacks and may be normal or high between attacks.

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