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Peltola J, Surges R, Voges B, von Oertzen TJ. Expert opinion on diagnosis and management of epilepsy-associated comorbidities. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:15-32. [PMID: 37876310 PMCID: PMC10839328 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Apart from seizure freedom, the presence of comorbidities related to neurological, cardiovascular, or psychiatric disorders is the largest determinant of a reduced health-related quality of life in people with epilepsy (PwE). However, comorbidities are often underrecognized and undertreated, and clinical management of comorbid conditions can be challenging. The focus of a comprehensive treatment regimen should maximize seizure control while optimizing clinical management of treatable comorbidities to improve a person's quality of life and overall health. A panel of four European epileptologists with expertise in their respective fields of epilepsy-related comorbidities combined the latest available scientific evidence with clinical expertise and collaborated to provide consensus practical advice to improve the identification and management of comorbidities in PwE. This review provides a critical evaluation for the diagnosis and management of sleep-wake disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive dysfunction, and depression in PwE. Whenever possible, clinical data have been provided. The PubMed database was the main search source for the literature review. The deleterious pathophysiological processes underlying neurological, cardiovascular, or psychiatric comorbidities in PwE interact with the processes responsible for generating seizures to increase cerebral and physiological dysfunction. This can increase the likelihood of developing drug-resistant epilepsy; therefore, early identification of comorbidities and intervention is imperative. The practical evidence-based advice presented in this article may help clinical neurologists and other specialist physicians responsible for the care and management of PwE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Peltola
- Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampereFinland
- Department of NeurologyTampere University HospitalTampereFinland
| | - Rainer Surges
- Department of EpileptologyUniversity Hospital BonnBonnGermany
| | - Berthold Voges
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center HamburgProtestant Hospital AlsterdorfHamburgGermany
| | - Tim J. von Oertzen
- Medical FacultyJohannes Kepler UniversityLinzAustria
- Department of Neurology 1, Neuromed CampusKepler University HospitalLinzAustria
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Riha RL, Dodds S, Kotoulas SC, Morrison I. A case-control study of sexualised behaviour in sleep: A strong association with psychiatric comorbidity and relationship difficulties. Sleep Med 2023; 103:33-40. [PMID: 36746108 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Sexualised behaviour in sleep (SBS) is a relatively rare parasomnia consisting of instinctive behaviours of a sexual nature occurring during non-rapid-eye movement (NREM) sleep. Little information exists at present regarding the clinical features and onset of this condition as well as its link to psychiatric comorbidity, other sleep disorders and history of adverse early life experience. Aims were to typify the condition further and compare features of SBS patients to those with other NREM parasomnias. METHODS Details of 335 consecutive patients presenting to a single tertiary sleep centre with non-rapid eye movement (NREM)-parasomnias over a 15-year period (2005-2020) were examined. Data were collated by reviewing case-notes for anthropometric data, past medical history, clinical findings, and video polysomnography. SBS patients were compared to a cohort of 270 non-SBS, NREM-sleep disorder patients (case-control) to ascertain whether they had any distinguishing features from other parasomnias classified in this group. RESULTS Sixty-five patients with SBS were identified: 58 males, 7 females (comprising 19.4% of the cohort overall). Mean age at presentation was 33(±9.5) years. Onset of behaviours was commoner in adulthood in the SBS cohort, whereas non-SBS, NREM-parasomnia onset (n = 270) was commoner in childhood: 61.1% and 52.9% respectively (p = 0.007). An association was identified between the presence of psychiatric diagnoses and onset of SBS (p = 0.028). Significant triggers for SBS behaviours included alcohol consumption (p < 0.001), intimate relationship difficulties (p = 0.009) and sleep deprivation (p = 0.028). Patients with SBS were significantly more likely to report sleepwalking as an additional NREM behaviour (p < 0.001). Males were more likely to present at clinic together with their bedpartner and females presented alone. A history of SBS appeared to be more common in those working in the armed forces or the police compared to those presenting with non-SBS, NREM-parasomnias (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS SBS is more common in clinical practice than previously described and presents with some distinguishing features within the NREM disorder category. This study is the first to identify that onset in childhood or lack of amnesia does not preclude the condition and that patterns of presentation differ between men and women. Sleepwalkers particularly should be asked about SBS. Comorbid psychiatric conditions, profession and intimate partner difficulties are strong determinants of the presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata L Riha
- Sleep Research Unit, The University of Edinburgh, Department of Sleep Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Sophie Dodds
- Sleep Research Unit, The University of Edinburgh, Department of Sleep Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Serafeim-Chrysovalantis Kotoulas
- Sleep Research Unit, The University of Edinburgh, Department of Sleep Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Ian Morrison
- Sleep Research Unit, The University of Edinburgh, Department of Sleep Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK; Department of Neurology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
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Fernandez JD, Soca R. Sexsomnia in Active Duty Military: A Series of Four Cases. Mil Med 2023; 188:e436-e439. [PMID: 33822139 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexsomnia is a type of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) parasomnia in which sexual behaviors arise during sleep; these behaviors are varied and can include masturbation, orgasms with or without self-stimulation, sexual vocalizations and talking, and sexual fondling and/or intercourse with the bed partner. The military creates a challenging environment, with sleep deprivation, shift work, and increased psychosocial stress that may predispose service members to an increased risk for all NREM parasomnias, including sexsomnia. Given that sexsomnia is sometimes invoked in sexual assault military lawsuits, it may behoove the military community to understand how this condition usually manifests so that its medicolegal implications can be addressed more clearly. Here, we present the largest case series of sexsomnia to date in active duty military service members, which adds to the limited literature on such cases in the military and to the broader but still growing literature on this rare disorder. We compare and contrast these cases with the available literature to highlight their similarities and differences in addition to commenting on the relevance of these cases in forensic investigations. As none of these cases were involved in legal issues, they could provide useful information about this rare condition in individuals who are less likely to be affected by the biases that are inherent to litigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan D Fernandez
- Department of Adult Neurology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Bethesda, MD 20889, USA
| | - Rodolfo Soca
- Sleep Disorders Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Bethesda, MD 20889, USA.,Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA
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Wong SG, Vorakunthada Y, Lee-Iannotti J, Johnson KG. Sleep-related motor disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 195:383-397. [PMID: 37562879 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98818-6.00012-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Sleep-related motor disorders include non-rapid-eye movement (NREM) sleep parasomnias, rapid-eye movement (REM), sleep parasomnias including REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), isolated motor phenomena in sleep, and periodic limb movement disorder. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) occurs while awake but is closely related to sleep and has a circadian pattern. The pontine sublaterodorsal tegmental nucleus has an important role in aligning motor control with sleep states, and dysfunction in this region can explain motor activities including cataplexy and loss of REM atonia seen in REM sleep behavior disorder. This chapter begins with a review of motor control in sleep. The rest of the chapter summarizes the clinical presentation, epidemiology, differential and treatment of NREM, REM, and isolated sleep-related motor disorders as well as restless legs syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie G Wong
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Yuttiwat Vorakunthada
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Joyce Lee-Iannotti
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Karin G Johnson
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine-Baystate, Springfield, MA, United States; Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine-Baystate, Springfield, MA, United States.
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Gupta R, Kumar N. Sleep Related Abnormal Sexual Behaviors: Uncommon yet Grave! JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/26318318211013346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual activities during sleep have been reported by some people, often along with the amnesia for the same. Such activities, when involuntary, may arise because of disorders of arousal or may be attributed to sleep related seizures. However, differentiation between the two etiological factors and, also from voluntary acts committed during sleep-period is important not only for the management of disorders but for medicolegal purpose! Subjective information as well gathered by the patients, bed-partners or victims as objective measures, namely polysomnography, long-term video EEG, and neuroimaging techniques may be helpful in achieving the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry and Division of Sleep Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Niraj Kumar
- Division of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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Cankardas S, Schenck CH. Sexual Behaviors and Sexual Health of Sexsomnia Individuals Aged 18-58. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2020; 33:29-39. [PMID: 38596470 PMCID: PMC10807804 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2020.1850597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to address the relationships between demographics and sexsomnia episodes, and sexual health issues in affected individuals. This study is the first sexsomnia survey conducted in Turkey. Sexsomnia comprises involuntary, unconscious sexual behavior during sleep, observed by a bed partner. Method:To reach people with and without sexsomnia, an online survey method was used. Among 274 participants, 42 of them reported having sexsomnia. Results: Women who do not have sexsomnia have more sexual problems than women who have sexsomnia episodes. The sexsomnia experiences of men and women also differed. Additionally, there were gender differences with difficulties caused by the sexsomnia. Conclusions: There is a need for further studies on sexsomnia that address socio-cultural, gender, and biological factors (including sleep disorders).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Cankardas
- Department of Psychology, Izmir Democracy University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Carlos H. Schenck
- Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center, and Departments of Psychiatry, Hennepin County Medical Center and University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Silvestri R, Walters AS. Rhythmic movements in sleep disorders and in epileptic seizures during sleep. SLEEP SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s41606-020-0042-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractRhythmic movements during sleep may occur in the context of physiological sleep-related motor activity or be part of sleep-related movement disorders such as bruxism, periodic limb movement disorder, restless legs syndrome, and sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder. They may also characterize some frontal or temporal nocturnal seizures of sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy, or be considered as part of NREM parasomnias, especially sleepwalking, sexsomnia or sleep-related eating disorder, or REM-related behaviors such as REM behavior disorder or complex movements associated with pediatric narcolepsy type I.In most cases rhythmic movements, especially when complex and long in duration, are related to different levels of arousal from sleep with recurrence of ancestral motor sequences promoted by central pattern generators in the brainstem, generally activated by the arousal process.A differential diagnosis between physiological events and pathological movement disorders, and between the latter and sleep-related epilepsy is critical to provide optimal treatment and an accurate prognosis. Specific treatment options for the aforementioned disorders are beyond the scope of this article.
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