Alternating hemiplegia of childhood - Genetics Home Reference

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood - Genetics Home Reference

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood

On this page:

 

• Description 
• Genetic changes 
• Inheritance 
• Diagnosis 
• Additional information 
• Other names
• Glossary definitions

Reviewed February 2014

What is alternating hemiplegia of childhood?

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of temporary paralysis, often affecting one side of the body (hemiplegia). During some episodes, the paralysis alternates from one side of the body to the other or affects both sides at the same time. These episodes begin in infancy or early childhood, usually before 18 months of age, and the paralysis lasts from minutes to days.

In addition to paralysis, affected individuals can have sudden attacks of uncontrollable muscle activity; these can cause involuntary limb movements (choreoathetosis), muscle tensing (dystonia), movement of the eyes (nystagmus), or shortness of breath (dyspnea). People with alternating hemiplegia of childhood may also experience sudden redness and warmth (flushing) or unusual paleness (pallor) of the skin. These attacks can occur during or separately from episodes of hemiplegia.

The episodes of hemiplegia or uncontrolled movements can be triggered by certain factors, such as stress, extreme tiredness, cold temperatures, or bathing, although the trigger is not always known. A characteristic feature of alternating hemiplegia of childhood is that all symptoms disappear while the affected person is sleeping but can reappear shortly after awakening. The number and length of the episodes initially worsen throughout childhood but then begin to decrease over time. The uncontrollable muscle movements may disappear entirely, but the episodes of hemiplegia occur throughout life.

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood also causes mild to severe cognitive problems. Almost all affected individuals have some level of developmental delay and intellectual disability. Their cognitive functioning typically declines over time.

How common is alternating hemiplegia of childhood?

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood is a rare condition that affects approximately 1 in 1 million people.

What genes are related to alternating hemiplegia of childhood?

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood is primarily caused by mutations in the ATP1A3 gene. Very rarely, a mutation in the ATP1A2 gene is involved in the condition. These genes provide instructions for making very similar proteins. They function as different forms of one piece, the alpha subunit, of a larger protein complex called Na+/K+ ATPase; the two versions of the complex are found in different parts of the brain. Both versions play a critical role in the normal function of nerve cells (neurons). Na+/K+ ATPase transports charged atoms (ions) into and out of neurons, which is an essential part of the signaling process that controls muscle movement.

Mutations in the ATP1A3 or ATP1A2 gene reduce the activity of the Na+/K+ ATPase, impairing its ability to transport ions normally. It is unclear how a malfunctioning Na+/K+ ATPase causes the episodes of paralysis or uncontrollable movements characteristic of alternating hemiplegia of childhood.

Read more about the ATP1A2 and ATP1A3 genes.

How do people inherit alternating hemiplegia of childhood?

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood is considered an autosomal dominant condition, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. Most cases of alternating hemiplegia of childhood result from new mutations in the gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family. However, the condition can also run in families. For unknown reasons, the signs and symptoms are typically milder when the condition is found in multiple family members than when a single individual is affected.

Where can I find information about diagnosis or management of alternating hemiplegia of childhood?

These resources address the diagnosis or management of alternating hemiplegia of childhood and may include treatment providers.

• The Great Ormond Street Hospital
• University of Utah School of Medicine

You might also find information on the diagnosis or management of alternating hemiplegia of childhood inEducational resources and Patient support.

General information about the diagnosis and management of genetic conditions is available in the Handbook.

To locate a healthcare provider, see How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.

Where can I find additional information about alternating hemiplegia of childhood?

You may find the following resources about alternating hemiplegia of childhood helpful. These materials are written for the general public.

• MedlinePlus - Health information (3 links)
• Additional NIH Resources - National Institutes of Health
  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Alternating Hemiplegia Information Page
• Educational resources - Information pages (3 links)
• Patient support - For patients and families (4 links)

You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.

• ClinicalTrials.gov - Linking patients to medical research
• PubMed - Recent literature

What other names do people use for alternating hemiplegia of childhood?

• alternating hemiplegia syndrome

For more information about naming genetic conditions, see the Genetics Home Reference Condition Naming Guidelines and How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook.

What if I still have specific questions about alternating hemiplegia of childhood?

Ask the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.

Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?

The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.

• What does it mean if a disorder seems to run in my family?
• What are the different ways in which a genetic condition can be inherited?
• If a genetic disorder runs in my family, what are the chances that my children will have the condition?
• Why are some genetic conditions more common in particular ethnic groups?

These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.

• Genetics and health
• Resources for Patients and Families
• Resources for Health Professionals

What glossary definitions help with understanding alternating hemiplegia of childhood?

autosomal ; autosomal dominant ; cell ; developmental delay ; dyspnea ; dystonia ; gene ; hemiplegia ;involuntary ; ions ; mutation ; Na ; neurological ; nystagmus ; pallor ; protein ; stress ; subunit ; syndrome

You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

References (4 links)

The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.