Primary periodic paralysis (PPP) is a rare condition that causes sudden episodes that affect the muscles, resulting in extreme muscle weakness or temporary paralysis – most often the inability to move the muscles of the arms and legs.
Hyperkalemic and hypokalemic periodic paralysis are the most common forms of PPP, though multiple other forms exist. Episodes can be the result of environmental/external or internal triggers which may vary depending on the form of PPP. Some examples of triggers include changes in activity, variations in temperature or humidity, stress, fatigue, alcohol, carbohydrate-rich foods, potassium-rich, foods, and pregnancy.