Hello All,
Each day I get a little stronger from my last bout with paralysis a few days ago and for this I am thankful. I have been able to continue my writing, editing and analyzing our survey. Thank goodness I can do those things while sitting in a recliner!! With only one week left until Christmas, I am also relieved to know that my Christmas shopping is completed, and was also done in the comfort of my recliner.
Each day I get a little stronger from my last bout with paralysis a few days ago and for this I am thankful. I have been able to continue my writing, editing and analyzing our survey. Thank goodness I can do those things while sitting in a recliner!! With only one week left until Christmas, I am also relieved to know that my Christmas shopping is completed, and was also done in the comfort of my recliner.
What is Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis?
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis is a form of Periodic
Paralysis, a very rare, hereditary metabolic disorder also called a
channelopathy. If an individual has Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis they become
partially or fully paralyzed intermittently. The paralysis results from
problems with the way the body controls sodium and potassium levels in the
cells. It is associated with high levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) during
paralytic episodes.
When potassium shifts into higher ranges in normal individuals, it is called hyperkalemia. High potassium levels in the blood will occur for anyone and a myriad of symptoms may be experienced and can be dangerous, even deadly. If an individual has Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis and potassium shifts into higher ranges, he or she can and will experience a combination of the same myriad of symptoms as well as paralysis and can be equally as dangerous and deadly.
When potassium levels are at a slightly elevated
level there may be no symptoms. At a moderately higher level, which is usually
between 5.5 and 6.5 mEq/L, there may be some symptoms involving muscles,
digestion, kidneys, electrolyte balance, the liver and the heart.
Potassium levels above 6.5 mEq/L are very serious and
usually require medical attention.
Muscles:
Fatigue, weakness, pins and needles, tingling or numbness in the extremities,
muscle contraction, muscle rigidity, muscle cramps, muscles stiffness, muscle
twitching, muscle cramping, reduced reflexes, muscle contraction involving
tongue, tightness in legs, strange feeling in legs.
Digestion: Discomfort, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting.
Heart: Palpitations, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat, weak pulse, absent pulse, heart stoppage, small P waves, tall T waves, QRS abnormality, P wave abnormality, QT lengthening, fast heartbeat.
Kidneys: Breathing problems, wheezing, shortness of breath, fast breathing, feeling hot, low blood pressure.
Liver: The brain function becomes affected: Irritability, sleepiness, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness.
Paralysis: Episodic muscle weakness, episodic partial paralysis, episodic total paralysis.
Laboratory blood changes: Elevated blood potassium, serum sodium level elevated, Serum CPK (creatine).
Laboratory
urine changes: Elevated urine pH level.
An
individual with Periodic Paralysis may have his or her own individual levels of
potassium at which symptoms or paralysis occurs. What may be normal ranges for
someone may be high for another. Using a potassium reader to discover one's
high, normal and low ranges is suggested, for better treatment.
Factors
which can trigger attacks include rest after exercise, potassium-rich foods,
stress, fatigue, weather changes, certain pollutants (e.g.: cigarette smoke),
periods of fasting, cold temperatures, certain anesthetics, depolarizing muscle
relaxants, other medications which increase potassium levels, alcohol and heavy
exercise.
Attacks
may be reduced by:
Avoiding high potassium foods, drugs known to increase potassium level and fasting. Also it is important to stay warm, engage in mild regular exercise if possible and avoid known triggers.
Avoiding high potassium foods, drugs known to increase potassium level and fasting. Also it is important to stay warm, engage in mild regular exercise if possible and avoid known triggers.
Some
drugs, which can be effective for treating the symptoms, are available for
individuals with Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis but they should be used with
extreme caution due to serious side effects.
http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=96851
Until
later...
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