Hypokalemic periodic paralysis

This is the 3770th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

"Doctor, am I going to be paralyzed?" A young man named Xiao Zhang was sent to the emergency room wrapped in a blanket. He was usually very energetic and liked to hike. After hiking with his friends all day, he felt tired and went to bed early. While sleeping, he found that he could not move his whole body, so an ambulance sent him to the emergency room.

The emergency doctor asked patiently and made a preliminary judgment after examination that "paralysis may be caused by hypokalemia"

01

What is hypokalemic periodic paralysis?

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is characterized by paroxysmal muscle weakness, low serum potassium, and rapid relief of symptoms after potassium supplementation. It includes primary and secondary types. The primary type is often hereditary and occurs in several generations of the same family. The secondary type is often caused by hyperthyroidism, aldosteronism, renal failure, etc.

02

What causes it?

Most cases of hypokalemic periodic paralysis are hereditary diseases, which are often triggered by various factors such as strenuous exercise, fatigue, a full meal, cold, mental stimulation, etc. Other factors such as injection of insulin, adrenaline or large amounts of glucose infusion can also cause it. Some patients have no obvious triggers.

03

What are the symptoms?

Age of onset: Most common in men aged 20-40

Prodromal symptoms: numbness, pain, flushing, sweating, etc. may occur before the onset of the disease

Main symptoms: often occur when sleeping at night after a full meal or when getting up in the morning, muscle paralysis, limb weakness, symmetrical limb weakness or complete paralysis, often the lower limbs are more serious than the upper limbs.

04

What tests are needed?

1. Blood test: Normal serum potassium (K+) concentration is 3.5-5.5mmol/L, with an average of 4.2mmol/L.