Familial Periodic Paralysis
Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More

Familial Periodic Paralysis Overview

Save information for later
Sign Up

Learn About Familial Periodic Paralysis

What is the definition of Familial Periodic Paralysis?
Familial periodic paralysis is a disease characterized by sudden attacks of weakness and paralysis. Weakness is recurrent, affecting mainly the limbs, and is often brought on by exercising or eating too many or too few carbohydrates. There are 4 forms of Familial periodic paralysis: hypokalemic, hyperkalemic, thyrotoxic, and Andersen-Tawil syndrome. In the hypokalemic form, the paralysis is caused by low levels of potassium. In the hyperkalemic form, the paralysis is caused by high levels of potassium in the blood. In the thyrotoxic form, the paralysis is caused by low levels of potassium in the blood and an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). In Andersen-Tawil syndrome, potassium levels can be high, low, or normal. Genetic changes in the CACNA1S and SCN4A genes cause hypokalemic periodic paralysis. The hyperkalemic form is due to genetic changes in SCN4A gene. The underlying cause of the thyrotoxic form is unknown. Genetic changes in the KCNJ2 gene cause Andersen-Tawil syndrome.
What are the alternative names for Familial Periodic Paralysis?
  • Familial periodic paralysis
  • Genetic periodic paralysis
Who are the top Familial Periodic Paralysis Local Doctors?
Distinguished in Familial Periodic Paralysis
Dr. Fenfen Wu
Internal Medicine
Distinguished in Familial Periodic Paralysis
Dr. Fenfen Wu
Internal Medicine

Franciscan Medical Clinic At St. Francis

34503 9th Ave S, Suite 100, 
Federal Way, WA 
253-835-8700
Languages Spoken:
English, Mandarin, Russian
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Fenfen Wu is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Federal Way, Washington. Dr. Wu is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Periodic Paralysis. She is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis, Familial Periodic Paralysis, Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis, and Infant Hyperglycemia. Dr. Wu is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Wu is currently accepting new patients.

Advanced in Familial Periodic Paralysis
Dr. Charles A. Kwaw
Pediatrics | Internal Medicine
Advanced in Familial Periodic Paralysis
Dr. Charles A. Kwaw
Pediatrics | Internal Medicine
Referral may be required
Before you request

Texas Health Family Care

5701 Bryant Irvin Road, Ste 201, 
Fort Worth, TX 
817-263-2500
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Charles Kwaw is a primary care provider, practicing in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Kwaw is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Periodic Paralysis. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, Xanthoma, Cirrhosis, and Ureteroscopy. Dr. Kwaw is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
Learn about our expert tiers
Learn More
Elite in Familial Periodic Paralysis
Elite in Familial Periodic Paralysis
Referral may be required
Ottawa, ON, CA 

Jean-marc Renaud practices practicing medicine in Ottawa, Canada. Mr. Renaud is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Periodic Paralysis. He is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis, Familial Periodic Paralysis, Primary Lateral Sclerosis, and Muscle Atrophy.

View All Doctors
What are the latest Familial Periodic Paralysis Clinical Trials?
Effect of Physical Training in Individuals With Hypokalemic and Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis
Effect of Physical Training in Individuals With Hypokalemic and Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: March 30, 2026
Intervention Type: Other
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: This study wishes to investigate the effects of strength exercise in patients with either HypoPP or HyperPP. The investigators wishes to include participants already diagnosed with either HypoPP or HyperPP in af 24 week prospective study where the patients will be tested and asked to fill out questionnaires three times. These appointments will be schedueled at week 0, week 12 and week 24. In the t...

Match to trials
Find the right clinical trials for you in under a minute
Get started
View All Clinical Trials
Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 02, 2022
Published By: Genetic and Rare Diseases Informnation Center