Periodic paralysis is a rare condition that is usually
inherited. It causes occasional episodes of severe muscle
weakness. The two most common types of periodic paralysis are
hypokalemic and hyperkalemic. Periodic paralysis is a congenital
condition, meaning it is present from birth. Familial periodic
paralysis is inherited, but may occur without a known family
history. Periodic paralysis is caused by abnormalities of the
electrolyte channels on muscles. The inherited form of the
disorder is autosomal dominant, which means that only one
affected parent is needed to transmit the gene to the baby. When
one parent is affected, the child has a 50% chance of getting
the disease. Rarely, the condition occurs as a result of a
noninherited genetic defect. Factors that increase your chance
of developing periodic paralysis include: - Family history of
periodic paralysis - Thyroid disorder (particularly in Asian
males) Although muscle strength returns to normal between
attacks, repeated bouts of weakness may lead to chr