Case 15 - Amnestic nocturnal behavior

Summary

This chapter presents the clinical history, examination, follow-up, treatment, diagnosis, and the results of the procedures performed on a 38-year-old female patient who was admitted to a university sleep disorders center to address amnestic nocturnal behavior. She was a friendly, non-dysmorphic patient who cooperated throughout the examination. Her vital signs were normal except for a BMI of 26 kg/m2 and borderline systolic hypertension. Her mood and affect were bright and congruent. In particular, there was no evidence on examination of subtle changes suggestive of a dementing illness or a Parkinsonian syndrome. An EEG carried out in 2005 and 2009 demonstrated normal awake and drowsy responses. An MRI carried out in 2009 showed normal brain. Polysomnography (PSG) showed that sleep was initiated without a sedativehypnotic. A diagnosis was made of mixed NREM parasomnia characterized by confusional arousals, sleepwalking (with sleepdriving), sleep-related eating disorder, and sexsomnia exacerbated by zolpidem.