Normokalemic periodic paralysis
Overview
A rare disorder characterized by periods of muscle weakness that is not associated with abnormal potassium levels
Symptoms
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Normokalemic periodic paralysis includes the 9 symptoms listed below: * Proximal weakness * Quadriparesis - lasts 2-3 weeks * Trunk ataxia * Tremor * Salt craving * Intense thirst * Stomach pains * Hypotonia * Hypoactive tendon reflexes
Causes
1. Primary or hereditary A condition with attacks of childhood onset that may disappear by middle age; exposure to cold may provoke attacks and over time, result in vacuolar myopathy; the attacks may be provoked by high-carbohydrate, high-sodium diets during periods of excitement and may respond to oral potassium 2. Secondary or acquired A condition associated with thyrotoxicosis, hypokalemia or K+ wasting by the kidneys or GI tract or due to accidental ingestion of absorbable barium salts that block K+ channels, reducing the egress of K+ from the muscles, evoking systemic hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, which may be associated with renal or adrenal insufficiency