Parasomnias and Their Mimics

Raman K. Malhotra, Alon Y. Avidan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Parasomnias are classified into nonrapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep parasomnias. It is important for the clinician to consider other parasomnia mimics that present to the sleep disorders clinic. These conditions can be differentiated by taking a detailed sleep history and conducting nocturnal polysomnograms to evaluate for potential comorbidities and better characterize the disorder. Mainstays of treatment include treating any underlying primary sleep disorders that induce sleep fragmentation and could trigger the parasomnia, as well as implementing safety precautions to protect patients and their household. Pharmacologic treatment of many parasomnias is also available if needed and clinically indicated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1067-1094
Number of pages28
JournalNeurologic Clinics
Volume30
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2012

Keywords

  • Confusional arousals
  • Night terrors
  • Nightmares
  • Parasomnias
  • REM sleep behavior disorder
  • Sleep paralysis
  • Sleepwalking

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