Introduction

Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis (HPP) is an autosomal dominant channelopathy

affecting the musculoskeletal system, specifically potassium ion pumps, by abnormal shifting of
potassium from the blood to the muscle cells. Potassium, alongside with sodium and calcium is
an important element to muscle contraction, thus its abnormal entry in the muscle cell will cause
a continuous relaxation thus the loss of control or the inability to move a muscle is exhibited by
clients with this condition. Furthermore, HPP attacks most commonly upon waking up, rest
preceded by strenuous activities, or a high-carbohydrate meal (since hyperglycemia can bring
about an influx of hypokalemia.) It is a rare disorder affecting approximately 1 out of 100,000
population.

Generally, the body becomes weak or in severe cases paralyzed. Common points of
weakness or paralysis are the shoulder and hip areas. Arrhythmias can also result from the
attack but is not necessarily needed to diagnose the condition or acute attack. This can be
traced via doing ECG.

Common treatment modalities available are oral and intravenous potassium. Most of the
time, the attack is preventable, curable, and reversible. Prevention measures such as avoiding
alcohol, carbohydrate-rich foods, strenuous exercise, and taking carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
such as Acetazolamide (alters mechanism of sodium-potassium pump, therefore keeping
Potassium levels and shifting mechanisms in balance, must be used with potassium
supplements.)

Possible complications of HPP are fatal heart arrhythmias, breathing, speaking, and
swallowing problems, progressive muscle weakness leading to paralysis, and kidney stones
brought about by prolonged acetazolamide use.