Kleine levin syndrome

Kleine Levin syndrome can be described as a rare disorder, which affects a person’s sleeping patterns. This disorder is characterized by repeated bouts of excessive sleep and changed behavior. People that are affected by Kleine Levin syndrome can sleep for up to 20 hours a day and can wake up only to eat, go to the bathroom and perform other basic activities.

Each episode of this condition is begins with progressive drowsiness and a bout can last from anywhere between a few days and a couple of months. While people of all ages can be affected by this disorder, Kleine Levin syndrome is the most common in male adolescents. People who are over the age of 40 are not likely to suffer from this disorder.

Causes of Kleine Levin syndrome

The exact cause of Kleine Levin syndrome is still not known, but medical experts believe that this disorder could be heredity. Some individuals could have a genetic predisposition towards developing this disorder, because of their family medical history.

Symptoms of Kleine Levin syndrome

Each episode of Kleine Levin syndrome begins with extreme drowsiness. However, there are other symptoms that accompany excessive sleeping bouts too. The other symptoms of an episode of Kleine Levin syndrome include:

Absence of feelings and emotions
Disorientation
Hallucinations
Hypersensitivity to light and noise
Irritability
Lack of energy
Overeating

At times, these symptoms could disappear for weeks or months together only reappear suddenly, for no apparent reason. When a person is not suffering from an episode of Kleine Levin syndrome, he or she may appear to be in perfect health.

Diagnosis of Kleine Levin syndrome

Since people who suffer from the Kleine Levin syndrome can miss out on some important events and occasions in their lives, it is only natural for them to seek treatment and relief from this condition. Moreover, since Kleine Levin syndrome also brings about a few negative behavioral changes, it can affect a person’s family and social life to a great extent. Unfortunately, most people have not heard of this disorder, which is why it could take a while for people to realize that they are suffering from a health condition which requires medical assistance. Therefore, it could take months or even years for people to consult a doctor, regarding the symptoms that they have been experiencing.

Once a person does visit a doctor, to see what could be causing such erratic sleeping habit and major changes in behavior, there are certain tests that a doctor will need to conduct, before confirming the diagnosis. These tests include a blood test as well as some sleep studies. In order to confirm the diagnosis of this disorder, people may need to consult a neurologist as well as a psychiatrist. The neurologist may need to evaluate the nervous system thoroughly, to check for structural abnormalities. The psychiatrist will need to assess the underlying behavioral problems.

Treatment of Kleine Levin syndrome

Unfortunately, there is no formal treatment for Kleine Levin syndrome. However, doctors may recommend certain stimulant medications, like amphetamines to deal with the drowsiness. There are also medicines that can treat the mood disturbances, which may also be recommended.