Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
Synonyms
- AHC
- Alternating Hemiplegia Syndrome
General Discussion
Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by frequent, temporary episodes of paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia). Symptoms usually begin before the age of 18 months. This syndrome may be characterized by temporary (transient) hemiplegia of varying degrees, temporary paralysis of the muscles that control eye movement (transient ocular palsies), sudden, involuntary movements of limbs and facial muscles (choreoathetosis), and/or excessive sweating with changes in skin color and body temperature (autonomic nervous system dysfunction). Mental capacity may be affected. The exact cause of AHC is unknown. Some cases of AHC may be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.
Resources
Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood Foundation
31250 Plymouth RD
Livonia, MI 48150
USA
Tel: (650)365-5798
Fax: (650)365-5798
Tel: (888)557-5757
Email: lynn@ahckids.org
Internet: http://www.ahckids.org
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be downloaded free from the NORD website for registered users. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational therapies (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, go to MyD-H, the Dartmouth-Hitchcock patient portal. You must be a registered MyD-H user for the Lebanon, Manchester, or Nashua locations to access this site.
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
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This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 5/23/2008
Copyright 1995, 1996, 2002, 2004 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
