Long-term Effects of AHC
Every child with AHC is unique, and children can be severely or mildly affected. However, as children get older, developmental problems between episodes became more apparent. These developmental problems may include difficulties in fine and gross motor function, cognitive function, speech and language and even social interactions. Early intervention for such children is extremely important to help maximize their developmental achievements.
Although the name "alternating hemiplegia of childhood" seems to imply that children could outgrow this problem, this is not the case, although episodes frequently change and sometimes even decrease in frequency as a child gets older.
Although there is no proof that the disorder limits life expectancy, these children do appear more susceptible to complications such as aspiration, which can sometimes be life-threatening. In addition, rare children have been reported to die suddenly and unexpectedly, in circumstances similar to the sudden death reported in patients with epilepsy (known as SUDEP, or sudden unexplained death in epilepsy). For this reason, careful evaluation to identify problems which could be associated with such episodes is a critical part of the care plan for these patients.
For instance, some children may not be able to safely swallow during severe episodes, and an alternative feeding plan may be needed. Other children may breathe more shallowly during such episodes, resulting in need for monitoring of oxygen levels.
