The Society is a non-profit self-help organisation established
to inform, support, and work together to improve the quality of life of people
with all forms of Periodic Paralysis and associated Myotonias. The Periodic
Paralyses are a group of rare genetic conditions. Mutations affect the ion
channels on the muscle membranes and the condition is therefore known as a
channelopathy. More than 30 different mutations have now been
identified. Symptoms vary from muscle weakness and/or stiffness to complete
paralysis that may be life threatening. Diagnosis is often difficult. There is
evidence that the symptoms are exacerbated by a wide variety of hormones, food
and medications. The disease has been recognised for over 100 years. Recent
research is offering promising new developments.
