Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood and ATP1A3-Related Diseases

This report presents key insights from the 2022 annual conference held in Edinburgh, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the discovery of ATP1A3 variants in alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC). This milestone event marked a decade of rapid advancements in research and clinical understanding, bringing together international experts and those with lived experience to reflect on progress, identify ongoing challenges, and shape the future of ATP1A3-related disease research. Over the past 10 years, our knowledge of ATP1A3-related diseases has expanded significantly, revealing a broader clinical spectrum, complex genotype-phenotype correlations, and novel pathophysiologic mechanisms. This symposium provided new data on cardiac and respiratory involvement in AHC, the impact of Na+, K+-ATPase dysfunction on neurodevelopment, and the evolving understanding of progressive disease trajectories. The conference also showcased emerging therapeutic strategies, including gene therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and small-molecule interventions. This article synthesizes these discussions, offering a comprehensive overview of a decade of progress while highlighting the urgent need for continued collaboration. By integrating research, clinical expertise, and lived experience advocacy, the ATP1A3 community is paving the way for improved diagnosis, enhanced care, and the development of targeted treatments for these ultra-rare conditions.