En Español | Plain Text Version | Skip Navigation

You are here:  Home > Disorders > Alternating Hemiplegia

NINDS Alternating Hemiplegia Information Page

Skip secondary menu

Synonym(s):   Hemiplegia Alterans

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Alternating Hemiplegia?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations

What is Alternating Hemiplegia?
Alternating hemiplegia is a rare neurological disorder that develops in childhood, usually before the first 4 years. The disorder is characterized by recurrent but temporary episodes of paralysis on one side of the body. The paralysis can affect eye movements, limbs, or facial muscles. One form of the disorder, identified very recently, has a favorable outlook. It occurs primarily at night, when a child awakens, and is apparently related to migraine. These children have no other mental or neurological impairments. In more serious cases symptoms may include mental impairment, balance and gait difficulties, excessive sweating, and changes in body temperature. Seizures can occur. Sleep helps in the recovery from the periods of paralysis but the paralysis can recur upon waking. The cause of the disorder is unknown.

Is there any treatment?

Drug therapy including flunarizine may help to reduce the severity and duration of attacks of paralysis associated with the more serious form of alternating hemiplegia.

What is the 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

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research on paralytic disorders such as alternating hemiplegia, with the goals of learning more about these disorders and finding ways to prevent, treat, and, ultimately, cure them.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

Organizations

Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood Foundation (AHCF)
239 Nevada Street
Redwood City, CA   94062
laegan6@sbcglobal.net
http://www.ahckids.org
Tel: 888-225-3353
Fax: 650-365-5798

 National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT   06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org
Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291


Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892



NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Return to top

Last updated February 08, 2007