Case 17 - Frequent night-time wanderings

Summary

This chapter discusses the case of a 38-year-oldwoman who had presented to the sleep center's outpatient clinic for evaluation of frequent sleepwalking episodes. It presents the clinical history, examination, follow-up, treatment, diagnosis, and the results of the procedures performed on the patient. A comprehensive evaluation including polysomnography (PSG), video-electroencephalography (EEG), psychological testing and necessary medical testing is important as it can have a major impact on the question of the patient's criminal responsibility. The EEG showed no epileptiform abnormalities interictally or during the events. The patient was referred for hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for her insomnia. Given these results, a diagnosis of sleepwalking, arousal disorder, was made. The daytime sleepiness was thought to be due to the intake of excess clonazepam. Medications (lithium, zolpidem, high doses of neuroleptic drugs and benzodiazepines) and recreational drugs may also induce sleepwalking.