Paroxysmal arousals during sleep.

Montagna, P; Sforza, E; Tinuper, P; Cirignotta, F; Lugaresi, E · Neurology · 1990

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Six patients complained of distressing sudden awakenings with abnormal motor activity during sleep causing insomnia. Polysomnography showed paroxysmal short-lasting arousals during NREM, especially slow-wave sleep, associated with complex movements and autonomic activation. Ictal and interictal EEG never showed epileptic discharges except in 1 patient who also had a tonic-clonic seizure during sleep. Carbamazepine was the only effective medication in 2 patients. Paroxysmal arousals represent a sleep disturbance that may be related to deep epileptic foci.

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