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Nocturnal Paroxysmal Dystonia

Description

Nocturnal Paroxysmal Dystonia (NPD) is characterized by repeated episodes of seizures occurring during non-REM sleep. There are two sub-categories of this condition. The first variety has short episodes under a minute in length as many as 15 times per night, almost every night. The second variety is characterized by much longer episodes, lasting up to an hour. A person with this disorder is usually coherent at the end of these episodes, and can easily return back to sleep. These episodes can be disruptive to both the bed partner and the sleep cycle.

Diagnosis

A person with NPD will have episodes of seizures during non-REM sleep, lasting either under a minute or several minutes to an hour. This motor activity cannot be associated with other sleep disorders, nor can be attributed to other mental or medical conditions.

Treatment

Because of the severity of the NPD, sleep specialist should be consulted to see if the seizures are associated with another sleep or medical condition. In some cases medications can be prescribed to help treat the seizures.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.