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Sleep-Related Epilepsy

Description

Sleep-related epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system, characterized either by mild, episodes of attention loss or sleepiness or by severe convulsions with loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis

Any type of seizure can occur during sleep, but certain types of seizures, such as grand mal, partial or focal motor seizures, and complex partial seizures are more likely to occur during sleep. Epileptic episodes may cause awakening from sleep but rarely cause a primary complaint of insomnia. Frequent episodes during sleep may disrupt sleep to the extent that excessive sleepiness may result, and sleepiness may be worsened by the sedating effects of anticonvulsant medications.

Treatment

Sorry, there currently is no treatment for this condition. Please check back often as researchers are discovering new treatments for sleep conditions every day.

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