Episodic neurological disorders related to ion channels

Recently many episodic neurological disorders are considered to be ion channel disorders. Ion channels are transmembrane glycoprotein pores of the membrane of nerve fibers and muscles and are important for controlling the membrane permeability of ions. There are two kinds of ion channels: the transmitter-gated (ligand-gated) ion channels, which are controlled by neurotransmitters, and the voltage-gated ion channels, which are controlled depending on the amplitude of membrane potentials. Recently many diseases have been categorized as ion channel disorders. Ion channel disorders (channelopathies) are either hereditary or autoimmune. Phenotypes of hereditary channelopathies are usually paroxysmal or episodic disorders such as hereditary epilepsies, familial hemiplegic migraine, startle disease, episodic ataxia, and periodic paralysis.