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Parasomnias in childhood

Suresh Kotagal1

  • 1Division of Child Neurology and the Center for Sleep Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. kotagal.suresh@mayo.edu

Sleep Medicine Reviews
|December 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Childhood parasomnias, such as sleepwalking and night terrors, are discussed. These sleep disorders can be distressing but may be managed with behavioral therapy, though evidence is still developing.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Parasomnias are disruptive sleep disorders common in children.
  • These events can cause significant distress to children and their families.
  • Understanding their origins is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss common childhood parasomnias, their developmental course (ontogeny), and underlying mechanisms.
  • To provide guidance on differentiating parasomnias from other sleep disorders, like nocturnal seizures.
  • To review diagnostic and management strategies for pediatric parasomnias.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on childhood parasomnias.
  • Discussion of neurobiological mechanisms, including central pattern generators.
  • Clinical history and polysomnography as diagnostic tools.

Main Results:

  • Parasomnias arise from disinhibition of subcortical central pattern generators.
  • Genetic factors, sleep instability, and conditions like obstructive sleep apnea are predisposing factors.
  • Nocturnal polysomnography is essential for diagnosing complex cases.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood parasomnias are varied and can be distressing.
  • Accurate diagnosis, distinguishing from seizures, is key.
  • Behavioral therapy is a potential management strategy, but evidence-based recommendations are pending.

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