Welcome to Periodic Paralysis Network

    Periodic Paralysis is a rare, hereditary disease characterized by episodes of muscular weakness or flaccid paralysis without the loss of sensation or consciousness. It is a channelopathy; a disease involving dysfunction of an ion channel for potassium, sodium, chloride and calcium. There are three types: Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis, results from potassium moving from the blood into muscle cells in an abnormal way. It is associated with low levels of potassium during paralytic episodes. Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis results from problems with the way the body controls sodium and potassium levels in cells. It is associated with high levels of potassium during paralytic episodes. In Andersen-Tawil Syndrome ATS, paralysis results when the channel does not open properly; potassium cannot leave the cell. This disrupts the flow of potassium ions in skeletal and cardiac muscle. During paralytic episodes, ATS can be associated with low potassium, high potassium or shifts in the normal ranges of potassium. Periodic Paralysis is listed by the Muscular Dystrophy Association as a myopathy; disease of the muscle.

    introduction continued

    The Periodic Paralysis Network was created to provide a hands-on approach to understanding the disease, getting a proper diagnosis, managing the symptoms, and assisting caregivers and family members. We will attempt to discuss issues relating to Periodic Paralysis in practical language. Our hope also is that the medical professionals dealing with individuals with Periodic Paralysis may come to our site and learn more about how to recognize, diagnose and properly treat their patients in a timely manner.

    Hello, my name is Susan and I have Periodic Paralysis (PP). I am 62 years old and was recently diagnosed on February 7, 2011. I was misdiagnosed for many years. The type I have is Andersen-Tawil Syndrome (ATS). Several other of my family members also have Periodic Paralysis.

    Read more about my personal story

    It has been nearly a year since I got my diagnosis of Periodic Paralysis: Andersen-Tawil Syndrome (PP: ATS) and Calvin and I created The Periodic Paralysis Network. There have been many changes during this past year, and I felt the need to update our opening page, to reflect the changes. The following is a synopsis of our past year.

    Diagnosis Update
    12-15-2011

    Press Release, 03-19-2011, Daily Herald, Susan Hunter

    "Woman tracks down cause of her paralysis;"

    KTVL News 10, May 17, 2011 4:55 AM Press Release

    "Susan Knittle-Hunter is thrilled to be Tuesday’s Facebook Friend of the Day."

    She is a retired special education teacher that lives in Grants Pass with her husband. She has three children and five grandchildren. Knittle-Hunter says she is very interested in local and world news. Even more, she spends a lot of time on Facebook interacting with her friends and family. But her time on the computer isn’t all about news. It is about research and writing. Knittle-Hunter has a very rare disease – Andersen-Tawil Syndrome, a form of Periodic Paralysis. Doctors have only diagnosed 100 people in the world with it. Knittle-Hunter has created a website about her disease and is writing a book. The site is designed to created a hands-on approach to understanding the disease, symptom management and getting proper diagnosis. She said she has been ill since she was a child and medical professionals misdiagnosed her for many years. “I was not diagnosed in a timely manner and am so ill now that all I can do is sit in a recliner,” Knittle-Hunter said. “I become paralyzed periodically due to potassium shifting in my muscles.” She shares her story on her website. You can click here to learn more about her condition and to read her story."

    Periodic Paralysis Network
    KTVL News 10 Article

    The information included in this Web site is intended for informational purposes only. We welcome everyone to share in the open and free exchange of knowledge and ideas without pre-conditions. All of the information and ideas originally produced by Periodic Paralysis Network and Rogue River Productions is protected under US.Copyright Laws.(2011)