Primary Periodic Paralyses

The muscle disorders known as primary periodic paralyses (PP) are characterized by periods of loss of function of muscles. During an episode of paralysis, an individual is unable to move parts (sometimes all) of his or her body. Any type of periodic paralysis may be difficult to diagnose since most doctors have no experience with these disorders. Because of this some individuals with PP may be misdiagnosed with another neurological or muscular disorder, or told they have a psychiatric, not physical, problem.