Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders | Alternating Hemiplegia

Definition

Alternating hemiplegia is a very rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of temporary paralysis.

Description

Alternating hemiplegia usually begins affecting a child before the age of four. Bouts of recurrent, temporary paralysis may involve the arms, legs, facial muscles, and/or eye muscles. The manifestations may range from numbness or tingling in the affected body part to complete paralysis. The episodes last between minutes and days, and are usually resolved by sleep. A variety of other neurological problems may also be present in children with alternating hemiplegia.

A less-severe variant of alternating hemiplegia is called "benign nocturnal alternating hemiplegia of childhood." In this variant, a child awakens from sleep to a state of paralysis that resolves completely over 2–15 minutes. Children with this variant do not suffer from other associated neurological problems. This...