What is Andersen-Tawil Syndrome and what are the symptoms?
Andersen-Tawil Syndrome (ATS) is a rare inherited disorder which causes episodes of paralysis or weakness. It was only recognized as a separate disorder in 1971. ATS causes attacks of muscle weakness and irregular heart rhythms. Patients may experience brief episodes of localized weakness in a hand, foot, jaw or limbs or they may experience generalized paralysis. The episodes of weakness often occur during rest after exercise, and they may occur on awakening in the morning. The heart rhythm irregularities include a prolonged QT interval which makes the heart more likely to experience tachycardia (a regular but too rapid heart rate) or dangerous irregular heart rates. People with ATS often have typical physical characteristics as well. These include large widely spaced eyes, a small jaw, low-set ears, crooked fingers or toes, webbed or fused 2nd and 3rd toes, and small stature.
