Familial Periodic Paralysis
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
The episodes of weakness in familial periodic paralysis may occur often or rarely. The episodes may last a few hours or several days. The level of weakness that occurs can also vary from mild to severe. The arms, eyelids, and face muscles are commonly affected. In more serious cases, the swallowing or breathing muscles may be involved. During the episodes, the person is awake and aware of what is going on. Muscle strength is usually normal between these episodes. Repeated bouts of paralysis can cause a gradual loss of strength.
Other signs or symptoms may occur during the attacks of weakness, including:
an abnormally low or high level of potassium in the blood
irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias
muscle pain
numbness or tingling
trouble breathing
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