Episodic Coma in Lewy Body Disorders: An Observational Report.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases

Background:

• Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) can present with unresponsiveness.
• Unexplained coma episodes in DLB/PDD patients have not been previously described.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on uncommon episodes of unexplained coma in DLB/PDD patients.
• To inform neurologists about this phenomenon and its potential non-autonomic causes.

Main Methods:

• Case series describing four patients with DLB or PDD.
• Observations during coma episodes supplemented by family reports.

Main Results:

• Four older male patients with DLB or PDD experienced unexplained coma.
• Patients were examined during these episodes.

Conclusions:

• Episodic coma is a potential manifestation of alpha-synucleinopathies like DLB and PDD.
• This diagnosis can provide reassurance to patients and families, though recurrence is possible.