Periodic paralysis

Overview

Attacks can last hours to days and often happen after rest following exercise or a carb-heavy meal.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Attacks of weakness

Less common

• Muscle stiffness

Look up a symptom: Feeling weak all over · Muscle weakness in arms or legs

When to get medical care

Causes

Genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Potassium during attack:
• Gene test:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Avoid triggers
• Eat regular meals
• Warm up and cool down gently
• Avoid big carb meals

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Avoid triggers

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: Information specialists and peer mentors for paralysis.
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Teens: Often starts then.
• Families: Genetic testing helps relatives.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Attacks often lessen with age.

Medicine prevents many attacks.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Should I carry potassium for attacks?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Periodic paralysis