How is Kleine-Levin syndrome characterized?
Kleine-Levin syndrome is an extremely rare disorder characterized by the need for excessive amounts of sleep (hypersomnolence), excessive eating (compulsive hyperphagia), and behavioral abnormalities. Onset of symptoms associated with this disorder is extremely rapid. Such symptoms may persist for days to weeks.
What are the symptoms of KLS?
Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare disorder that causes recurring periods of excessive sleepiness. In some cases, this means up to 20 hours a day are spent sleeping….Episodes can also trigger other symptoms, such as:
- hallucinations.
- disorientation.
- irritability.
- childish behavior.
- increased appetite.
- excessive sex drive.
How is KLS similar to narcolepsy?
In contrast to narcolepsy, KLS is a relapsing disorder with mean duration of 14 years. In addition to excessive sleepiness, the KLS patients also have cognitive (working memory, language), perceptual (delusions, hallucinations), and behavioral disturbances (binge eating, hypersexuality) during their sleep episodes.
Can Kleine-Levin be cured?
Treating Kleine-Levin Syndrome There is no specific, definitive treatment to cure or control KLS. Some aspects of the disease can be managed with medication, such as stimulants to combat the EDS, but this is most effective only once the episodes have already decreased in severity.
Why does riding in a car make me sleepy?
Most of us have probably felt sleepy on a car journey, but it’s not always due to an early start, or a long day, or a lack of caffeine. It’s all to do with the vibrations a car makes as it moves: they can bring on sleepiness in just 15 minutes, the new study shows.
What is the alien hand syndrome?
Alien hand syndrome is a phenomenon in which one hand is not under control of the mind. The person loses control of the hand, and it acts as if it has a mind of its own. The etiology includes neurosurgery, tumor, aneurysms, and rarely stroke (1).
How is Kleine Levin syndrome ( KLS ) defined?
Defining KLS Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) is a rare and complex neurological disorder characterized by recurring periods of excessive amounts of sleep, altered behavior, and a reduced understanding of the world. The disorder strikes adolescents primarily but can occur in younger children and adults.
Are there any medications for Kleine Levin syndrome?
Because of similarities between Kleine-Levin syndrome and certain mood disorders, lithium and carbamazepine may be prescribed and, in some cases, have been shown to prevent further episodes.
How long does it take to diagnose Kleine Levin syndrome?
KLS robs children and young adults of big pieces of their lives, one agonizing episode at a time. The mean diagnostic delay for proper Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) diagnosis is four years. This means that it takes the average KLS patient four years before receiving an accurate diagnosis causing undue suffering to patients and families.
What do you need to know about KLS disorder?
KLS is a rare and complex neurological disorder characterized by recurring periods of excessive amounts of sleep, altered behavior, and a reduced understanding of the world where the patient becomes progressively drowsy and sleeps for most of the day and night, sometimes waking only to eat or use the bathroom.