Nocturnal epilepsy

Nocturnal epilepsy

Nocturnal epilepsy is a seizure disorder in which seizures occur only while sleeping[1]. Several common forms of epilepsy, including frontal lobe epilepsy, can manifest in a nocturnal state.

Epilepsy can be nocturnal if the form of epilepsy one has only triggers seizures while one is asleep, or if one normally has seizures that occur at the same time. In the latter example, if one stays awake at a time when s/he is usually asleep, s/he can have the seizure while awake.

Diagnosis

The condition may be difficult to diagnose. The subject himself/herself may be unaware s/he is having a seizure disorder[2]. To others, the involuntary movements made during sleep may appear no different than those typical to normal sleep[3].

One who suffers a nocturnal seizure may notice some unusual differences upon awakening in the morning, such as a headache, having wet his/her bed, having bitten his/her tongue, a bone or joint injury, or lightheadedness. Others may notice unusual mental behaviors with the person, consistent with the aftermath of a seizure[4]. There may also be objects in the vicinity of the bed knocked on the floor, or the subject him/herself may be surprised to find him/herself on the floor.

A possible risk of any nocturnal seizure is that a concussion, possibly a significant one, could occur and the patient thus would be in danger and might not know it until late in the process.

Treatment

Like other forms of epilepsy, noctural epilepsy can be treated with anticonvulsants[5].

References

  • Manford, Mark (2003), Practical Guide to Epilepsy, Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN 0750646217 

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • nocturnal epilepsy — epileptic attacks occurring at night or while the patient is asleep …   Medical dictionary

  • Epilepsy Society — The Epilepsy Society (formerly known as the National Society for Epilepsy) is the largest medical charity in the field of epilepsy in the United Kingdom, providing services for people with epilepsy for over 100 years. Based in Chalfont St Peter,… …   Wikipedia

  • Epilepsy — Epileptic redirects here. For the graphic novel, see Epileptic (graphic novel). Epilepsia redirects here. For the journal, see Epilepsia (journal). Epilepsy Classification and external resources Generalized 3 Hz spike and wave discharges in EEG …   Wikipedia

  • epilepsy — Synonyms and related words: Jacksonian epilepsy, MS, Rolandic epilepsy, abdominal epilepsy, access, acquired epilepsy, activated epilepsy, affect epilepsy, akinetic epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, apoplexy, arrest, attack, autonomic… …   Moby Thesaurus

  • Epilepsy — (seizure disorder): When nerve cells in the brain fire electrical impulses at a rate of up to four times higher than normal, this causes a sort of electrical storm in the brain, known as a seizure. A pattern of repeated seizures is referred to as …   Medical dictionary

  • Myoclonic astatic epilepsy — Myoclonic astatic epilepsy, also known as Doose syndrome, is a generalized idiopathic epilepsy. Generalized means that it affects both hemispheres of the brain. Idiopathic means the reason for the seizures is unknown and is most likely hereditary …   Wikipedia

  • Temporal lobe epilepsy — Classification and external resources Lobe of the brain ICD 10 G40 …   Wikipedia

  • Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy — Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, sometimes referred to by its initials CURE, is a non profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1998, CURE is focused on raising awareness and funds for research targeting a cure for… …   Wikipedia

  • Childhood absence epilepsy — (CAE), also known as pyknolepsy, is an idiopathic generalized epilepsy which occurs in otherwise normal children. The age of onset is between 4–10 years with peak age between 5–7 years. Children have absence seizures which although brief ( 4–20… …   Wikipedia

  • Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy — Classification and external resources ICD 10 G40.3 ICD 9 345.1 …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”