Idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: A Report on Two Cases with Contrasting Features.
Sriniwas Gupta1, M S V K Raju2, Alka Pawar3
1Department of Psychiatry, Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College, Dhankawadi, India.
Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine
|December 15, 2015
Summary
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a rare parasomnia causing violent dream behaviors. This report highlights two idiopathic RBD cases in India, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis due to potentially severe consequences.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Parasomnias
Background:
- REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by the loss of normal muscle paralysis during REM sleep, leading to acting out dreams.
- Secondary RBD is linked to neurological disorders, substance use, or medications.
- Idiopathic RBD, without a known cause, has not been documented in India.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of idiopathic RBD in India.
- The patients exhibited significant violent behaviors during sleep.
Findings:
- The cases represent the first documented instances of idiopathic RBD in the Indian population.
- The study underscores the rarity and potential severity of this condition.
Implications:
- Early identification and diagnosis of RBD are crucial for patient safety.
- Recognizing RBD is vital to prevent serious injury to patients and bed partners.
- Further research is needed to understand the prevalence and specific characteristics of RBD in India.
Related Concept Videos
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
2.4K
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
2.4K
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
3.2K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
3.2K
01:07Narcolepsy
751
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
751
01:17Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
1.4K
Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
1.4K
01:27Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors
758
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs due to uncomfortable sensations. These sensations typically occur during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly when lying down or sitting, and can severely disrupt sleep.
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
758
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
536
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
536