What the internist should know about hereditary muscle channelopathies

AbstractObjectives:Non-dystrophic myotonia, periodic paralysis and, to a certain extent, myotonic dystrophies are rare hereditary skeletal muscle channelopathies, charactarized by myotonia or episodic muscle weakness. This review highlights the diagnostic challenges and treatment options.Results: Some of these rare skeletal muscle disorders are associated with a broad range of systemic and nonspecific muscle symptoms. Consequently, patients are often referred to the internist before seeing a neurologist. This article provides clinical clues to better diagnose an tackle these unique disorders.Conclusion: A increased knowledge will reduce the diagnostic delay, improve monitoring and treatment, and might even prevent potentially life-threatening conditions as seen in DM.