Symmetrical limb paralysis

Periodic paralysis is a muscle disease characterized by periodic onset of delayed paralysis, which is often accompanied by abnormal potassium metabolism. Low potassium periodic paralysis is most common. A group of diseases related to potassium metabolism. The clinical features are recurrent flaccid paralysis or weak skeletal muscle, which lasts from several hours to several weeks, and everything is normal between attacks. Some cases have a family history. If accompanied by hyperthyroidism, kidney disease or other metabolic diseases is secondary periodic paralysis. According to the level of serum potassium at the time of the onset, it can be divided into the following three types: ① Low potassium type periodic paralysis. It is autosomal dominant, but it is more common in China. The causes are mostly overwork, full meals, and cold. It usually occurs at night, shows flaccid paralysis of the limbs, and rarely invades the respiratory muscles. The blood potassium level was lower than normal at the time of the attack and a U wave appeared on the electrocardiogram. Paralysis lasts for hours to days, and treatment can be supplemented with potassium. ② High potassium type periodic paralysis. It is an autosomal dominant inheritance and rare in China. ③ Periodic paralysis of normal potassium type. Periodic paralysis of sodium-reactive normal blood potassium type is also rare.