Alternating hemiplegia

Alternating hemiplegia is a rare neurological disorder that manifests itself in the paralysis of one side of the body in recurring episodes. The face, eye movement, and limbs can all be paralysed. Either side can be affected, but only one side at a time. Alternating hemiplegia usually occurs before four years of age and can present in either a severe or a less severe form. more...

The less severe form has a good prognosis and is indicated by episodes occurring primarily at night, and can often be related to migraines. There is no neurological impairment in this form of AH.

The severe form is indicated by the usual paralysis, mental impairment, gait and balance impairment, excessive sweating, and changes in body temperature. Seizures can also be present.

Treatment

Drug therapy includes flunarizine, a calcium channel blocker. It may help to reduce the severity and duration of attacks of paralysis associated with the more serious form of alternating hemiplegia.

Prognosis

Children with the benign form of alternating hemiplegia have a good prognosis. However, those who experience the more severe form have a poor prognosis because intellectual and mental capacity do not respond to drug therapy, and balance and gait problems continue. Over time, walking unassisted becomes difficult or impossible.

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