Periodic Paralysis Awareness

• Happy Father’s Day to all dads living with periodic paralysis, and to the dads who care for someone living with periodic paralysis. We also honor the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, friends, advocates, medical providers, researchers, and all the dads who help carry the load for those living with periodic paralysis. Your strength, compassion, and support mean so much to this community.

Dads, You are seen and you are appreciated!

2026 Periodic Paralysis Conference – Register Now!

2026 Periodic Paralysis Conference on October 10–11, 2026, in Orlando, Florida at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista(hosted by the PPA).

This is the largest gathering of its kind for patients, families, clinicians, and researchers focused on periodic paralysis.

Two ways to participate:
• In-person attendance
• Live stream (virtual attendance!)

Registration details:
• Registration is officially open now
• Early-bird pricing available until July 1st
• Final registration deadline: August 31st

🔗 Register here:
https://periodicparalysis.org/conference-2026/

If you’ve attended past conferences, please share your experiences and thoughts!

What did you find most valuable? What would you recommend to first-timers? Any tips or highlights you’d like to pass along?

• THE EARLY HISTORYOF PERIODIC PARALYSIS

Periodic paralysis (PP) is a rare genetic muscle condition that causes episodes of weakness or temporary paralysis. What many people don’t know is that the history of PP goes back more than 300 years!

THE VERY FIRST DESCRIPTION
In 1698, a physician named William Musgrave in England wrote about a mysterious condition he called “periodical palsy.” He described patients who suffered from unusual, repeated episodes of weakness, what we now recognize as the earliest documented cases of Periodic Paralysis.

- Musgrave’s original letter can still be read through the Royal Society archives: [William Musgrave’s 1698 letter on periodical palsy](https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/rbo_7_80/letter-from-william-musgrave-dated-4-june-1698-at-exeter-concerning-periodical-palsy?page=1)

WESTPHAL AND HYPOKALEMIC PERIODIC PARALYSIS
In 1885, German neurologist Carl Westphal studied patients with repeated episodes of weakness connected to drops in blood potassium. This condition became known as Westphal’s Syndrome or Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis (HypoPP).
-What happens?
Potassium levels in the blood fall, leading to temporary paralysis or weakness.
- How long do attacks last? Usually hours to days.
- Common triggers: high-carb meals, rest after heavy exercise, or stress.
- Learn more about him: [Carl Westphal – Life in the Fast Lane](https://litfl.com/carl-westphal/)

GAMSTORP AND HYPERKALEMIC PERIODIC PARALYSIS
In 1956, Swedish pediatrician Ingrid Gamstorp reported another form of periodic paralysis: Gamstorp Disease, now called Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HyperPP).
- What happens?
Potassium levels in the blood rise, instead of falling.
- How long do attacks last?Often shorter, minutes to hours.
- Common triggers: fasting, potassium-rich foods, or rest after exercise.
- Read more here: [Ingrid Gamstorp – Life in the Fast Lane](https://litfl.com/ingrid-gamstorp/)

WHY THE NAMES CHANGED
Today, instead of using the older names like Westphal Syndrome or Gamstorp Disease, doctors usually use HypoPP and HyperPP. These names describe the potassium connection more clearly and avoid confusion.

A LONG HISTORY, A STRONG COMMUNITY
From Musgrave’s first description in 1698, to Westphal and Gamstorp’s detailed reports, the history of Periodic Paralysis is long and fascinating. What hasn’t changed is the challenge people with PP face every day, and the importance of connecting with others who truly understand.

For those who want to read more about the historical development of periodic paralysis, there’s also this detailed article: [History of Periodic Paralysis – NIH / NCBI (2018)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6063177/ )

Submitted by RB, February 2021, Updated June 2025