Hypokalemic Sensory Overstimulation - Molecular Mechanism

Molecular Mechanism

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis results from mutations in subunits of sodium or calcium channels. Since hypokalemic sensory overstimulation and hypokalemic periodic paralysis have similar triggers and treatments, and since there is a relative ineffectiveness of the sodium-channel blocker lidocaine in hypokalemic sensory overstimulation, hypokalemic sensory overstimulation may be another disorder in the "channelopathy" group. Since the lidocaine effect occurs outside the brain, this suggests that in some patients with attention deficit disorder the underlying abnormality may be overstimulation from sensory pathways rather than a defect in the brain itself.

The triggering effect of carbohydrates is believed to be due to digested carbohydrates causing release of insulin, which results in uptake of potassium into cells and the resulting hypokalemia.