Familial paroxysmal hypokalaemic paralysis (hypoKPP)

Abstract

Case Summary: Demographic Details: Mr. SF, male, South African was referred by his general practitioner A 26-year-old South African gentleman was referred to the Neurology Outpatient department due to occasional episodes of bilateral muscle weakness in the lower limbs. The attacks last for approximately 1 hour and may result in complete muscle paralysis. The severe attacks of bilateral lower limb paralysis are uncommon. The most severe attack he had ever experienced lasted for 19 hours when he was 19 years of age. Mr. SF noticed that stress, carbohydrate-rich meals and exercise triggered recurrent attacks of muscle weakness. The patient’s grandfather, father and sister have been diagnosed with ‘Familial Paroxysmal Hypokalaemic Paralysis’ (hypoKPP). The father had a positive genetic diagnosis from a muscle biopsy. Mr. SF believes that he has inherited the genetic condition, however, he was never tested for the mutation. When the patient suffers an attack of muscle weakness, he takes potassium supplements and rests at home and symptoms resolve.