Rapid eye movement REM sleep behavior disorder is a clinical manifestation of several central nervous system pathologies. The failure of spinal motoneurons to inhibit eye movements causes a wide range of behaviors, including actions that are associated with waking, acting out dreams, and talking. While these actions may seem harmless, they can be dangerous to bed partners and others. Despite its name, RBD can be a serious condition. Here are some of the symptoms and treatment options for people with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder.
Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is often confused with sleepwalking or other sleep disorders. In order to rule out other disorders, doctors perform an in-laboratory video polysomnography. These tests can measure REM atonia and capture dream enactment behaviors. Treatment focuses on reducing the occurrence of behavioral events and preventing injuries while sleeping. Among other approaches, a doctor may prescribe drugs such as clonazepam or melatonin.
Treatment Options For REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Recent studies have indicated that rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is associated with changes in olfactory function, or sense of smell, a measure of neurodegeneration. A study found the cognitive function in patients with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder. In a related study found that reduced sympathetic activity is associated with REM sleep behavior disorder. Similar findings in patients with Parkinson’s disease are also observed.
In addition to examining the clinical and neuroimaging findings, the experts reviewed the existing literature for REM sleep behavior disorder. Based on demographics, clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging findings, experts found that 93 out of 96 cases were attributed to REM sleep behavior disorder. The disorder was also associated with other neurologic disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Diagnosis Of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is a type of sleep disorder characterized by abnormal movements during the REM stage of sleep. This disorder is different from sleepwalking or night terrors, which involve physical movements that are remembered upon waking. A REM sleep video may indicate a problem with REM sleep behavior disorder. However, a REM sleep video may not necessarily identify a disorder.
The RBD Questionnaire-Hong Kong (RBDQ-HK) is an effective questionnaire to screen RBD patients. It is a validated 13-item screen that indicates whether the patient is suffering from the disorder. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. The Hong Kong questionnaire has a positive predictive value of 86 percent, whereas the Innsbruck RBD inventory has a negative predictive value of 83 percent. Diagnosis of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is best achieved through a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s symptoms and neurological functioning.
Neurodegenerative Diseases Associated With RBD
RBD is an uncommon sleep disorder characterized by a fast onset of obstructive retinopathy. However, patients with RBD often have several neurodegenerative diseases. Some of these diseases are associated with rapid eye movement, whereas others are not. In addition, the syndrome is also often associated with focal brain lesions. This disorder has been associated with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
The cause of RBD is unknown, but some researchers suspect it may be caused by the disruption of a protective mechanism in the brain that prevents the body from experiencing REM sleep. This disruption in the sleep system can result in dream enactment, which may be emotionally disturbing. People with RBD also show forceful motor behaviors during their sleep, accompanied by vocalizations and emotional outbursts.
Consult your doctor for more details about the condition and treatment for REM sleep behavior disorder.
Symptoms of RBD often affect bed partner sleep, which is why determining a cause for the disorder is vital. Talk to your doctor if you encountered sleep disorder problem and the doctor will recommend appropriate treatment for you based on your sleep condition.
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