Children's Issues

This chart allows comparison of the forms of primary periodic paralysis, symptoms, clinical and cardiac signs, effect of potassium, triggers and therapies. 

Parents of some children with Periodic Paralysis will need to work with the school to achieve a plan which will allow their child to reach their full potential. The information in this article reflects the experiences of children in US schools. We hope it will be helpful to parents, school administrators, teachers, school nurses and physicians as they work together.

Life is a daily challenge for the child with periodic paralysis.

Periodic Paralysis poses unique problems for school-age youngsters. Because young PP patients usually look perfectly normal, and may even look extremely muscular and fit, it's hard for school staff to understand what a challenge daily life can be for them. But these children's strength may vary widely from day to day, even hour to hour, which is not just frustrating for teachers to cope with but extremely difficult for the child as well.

Hao Cheng, MD   

The use of local anaesthetics on patients with periodic paralysis presents some unusual challenges. Many patients report that these agents trigger weakness or paralysis, a phenomenon which is substantiated in medical literature. Some patients also report that the agents do not produce the desired anaesthesia.

Part Four Case Studies - ATS

Patient #18 Two Pregnancies: ATS2;

Hypokalemic episodes Symptoms began in early childhood;

Are your symptoms worse with your menses? Yes

Pregnancy No 1: Age 32 Diagnosed at time of this pregnancy: No

Part Three Case Studies - HyperKPP and PMC

Patient #11 Two Pregnancies:

Familial HyperKPP and PMC Von Eulenburg Symptoms began at age of 11 years

Are your symptoms worse with your menses? No

Pregnancy No 1: Age 27

Diagnosed at time of this pregnancy: No

Part Two Case Studies - HypoKPP

Patient #1 Three Pregnancies:

Familial HypoKPP Symptoms began at age of 13 years with three paralytic episodes of 48-72 hour duration.

Are your symptoms worse with your menses? No

Pregnancy No 1: Age 20

Diagnosed at time of this pregnancy: Yes

Episodes consisted of minor weakness and fatigue once or twice a month. No medications during pregnancy. Maintained normal activity. Uncomplicated labour with forceps delivery of 7 lb. healthy male child three weeks short of due date.

Part One

There is little available medical literature to guide the physician in the care of the pregnant patient who has periodic paralysis. The first part of this packet consists of abstracts and quotations drawn from current literature. But this information is limited. Because Periodic Paralysis International has a number of clients who have given birth we felt it might be helpful to survey them about their experiences. The second, third and forth parts of this packet consists of case studies of women with periodic paralysis who have given birth.