Parasomnias: an overview.
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Date
2010-02
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Abstract
Parasomnias are abnormal experiences or behaviours that occur during sleep and can be subdivided
into disorders of arousal, disorders of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep or other parasomnias. Diagnosis
rests on a thorough clinical evaluation with supporting data from a full polysomnography with time
synchronized video. While the prognosis for arousal disorders is generally excellent, the diagnosis of
REM behaviour disorder (RBD) is more ominous and associated with neurodegenerative disorders, and
as such, requires routine neurological surveillance. The cornerstone of treatment for all parasomnias is
adequate patient and bed partner education. Data supporting pharmacologic therapy are limited but
clonazapam for RBD has been reported to be effective in up to 89 per cent of patients.
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Keywords
Confusional arousal, nightmares, parasomnias, REM, sleep behaviour disorder, sleep walking, sleep terror
Citation
Matwiyoff Greg, Lee-Chiong Teofilo. Parasomnias: an overview. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2010 Feb; 131(2): 333-337.