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Neurological channelopathies

Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr Michael G Hanna
Department of Molecular Neuroscience and Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; mhanna{at}ion.ucl.ac.uk

Ion channels are membrane-bound proteins that perform key functions in virtually all human cells. Such channels are critically important for the normal function of the excitable tissues of the nervous system, such as muscle and brain. Until relatively recently it was considered that dysfunction of ion channels in the nervous system would be incompatible with life. However, an increasing number of human diseases associated with dysfunctional ion channels are now recognised. Such neurological channelopathies are frequently genetically determined but may also arise through autoimmune mechanisms. In this article clinical, genetic, immunological, and electrophysiological aspects of this expanding group of neurological disorders are reviewed. Clinical situations in which a neurological channelopathy should enter into the differential diagnosis are highlighted. Some practical guidance on how to investigate and treat this complex group of disorders is also included.

Abbreviations: CMAP, compound muscle action potential; CNS, central nervous system; HyperKPP, hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis; HypoKPP, hypokalaemic periodic paralysis; LEMS, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome; PCD, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration; PNS, peripheral nervous system; SCA6, spinocerebellar ataxia type 6; SCLC, small cell lung carcinoma

Keywords: DNA based diagnosis; channelopathy; ion channel; migraine; epilepsy; neurology

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