HyperPP
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HyperPP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis associated with elevated levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia). This condition is one of several types of periodic paralysis, a group of disorders that cause episodes of severe muscle weakness or paralysis.
Causes[edit | edit source]
HyperPP is caused by mutations in the SCN4A gene, which encodes the alpha subunit of the skeletal muscle voltage-gated sodium channel. These mutations lead to abnormalities in muscle fiber excitability, which can be triggered by factors such as rest after exercise, potassium-rich foods, stress, and cold temperatures.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The primary symptom of HyperPP is episodic muscle weakness, which can vary in severity from mild weakness to complete paralysis. These episodes can last for minutes to hours and usually resolve on their own. Other symptoms may include muscle stiffness, myotonia (delayed relaxation of the muscles), and in severe cases, respiratory and cardiac issues due to muscle weakness.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of HyperPP involves a combination of clinical evaluation, family history, and genetic testing to identify mutations in the SCN4A gene. Additional tests may include blood tests to measure potassium levels during episodes, electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle electrical activity, and exercise tests to provoke symptoms.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of HyperPP focuses on preventing and managing acute episodes of muscle weakness. This may include dietary changes to limit potassium intake, use of diuretics to lower blood potassium levels, and medications such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to stabilize muscle membrane excitability. Avoidance of known triggers is also recommended.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for individuals with HyperPP varies. While the disorder can significantly impact quality of life, most individuals are able to manage their symptoms with treatment and lifestyle adjustments. However, chronic muscle weakness and permanent muscle damage can occur in some cases.
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
