The Gamstorp Periodic Paralysis News Service

Dr. Gamstorp was a pediatric neurologist, the first physician to recognize and describe what is now called Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis, aka "Gamstorp's Disease". She was a great pioneer in periodic paralysis research, but she was also deeply human. She said,"My own way to pediatric neurology started with basic training in pediatrics at a time when neurology barely existed... By chance, I happened to be involved with a family with interesting muscular symptoms and this awoke my interest in neurology, particularly in muscle diseases and genetically determined diseases...The combination of strictly logical neurologic reasoning and the way to reach it through improvising and playing with the child is particularly exciting...I have come to know many parents for whom I feel a deep respect, affection, and admiration. [They] have taught me much, particularly the necessity of always being at eye level with the patient or the conversation partner, both literally and figuratively." Unfortunately, Dr. Gamstorp contracted Lyme Disease at the age of 46. Her symptoms were brushed off as "women's troubles". She later wrote that she despaired and even considered suicide. By the time she was diagnosed and treated nine years later she was so disabled as to be forced into retirement. Her loss during what would certainly have been a highly productive phase of her professional life is a tragedy to neurology.