What are the causes of Kleine-Levin syndrome?

The exact cause of Kleine-Levin syndrome is unknown. It is speculated that symptoms may develop due to malfunction or damage to the portion of the brain that helps to regulate functions such as sleep, appetite, and body temperature (hypothalamus).

What symptoms might lead a doctor to suspect a patient has Kleine-Levin syndrome?

In addition to excessive sleep, a Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) patient’s whole demeanor is changed, often appearing “spacey” or childlike. When awake the patient experiences confusion, disorientation, complete lack of energy (lethargy), and lack of emotions (apathy).

How many cases of Kleine-Levin syndrome are there?

Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare disorder with an estimated prevalence of one to five cases per million population [2-8].

What is Klein’s disease?

Klein’s Syndrome, also known as Waardenburg Syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by deafness, defects in structures arising from the neural crest, nose deformities and skin, iris and hair pigmentation abnormalities.

What causes sleeping for days at a time?

The most common causes of excessive sleepiness are sleep deprivation and disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia. Depression and other psychiatric problems, certain medications, and medical conditions affecting the brain and body can cause daytime drowsiness as well.

How many people have sleeping Beauty?

Scientists estimate that the syndrome manifests in 1 to 5 people out of every million, according to the clinical resource UpToDate. Historically, more than 500 cases of the condition have been reported in the medical literature, although the unusual syndrome likely goes underdiagnosed.

How do I know if I have Kleine-Levin Syndrome?

Symptoms occur as “episodes,” typically lasting a few days to a few weeks. Episode onset is often abrupt, and may be associated with flu-like symptoms. Excessive food intake, irritability, childishness, disorientation, hallucinations, and an abnormally uninhibited sex drive may be observed during episodes.

What are the symptoms of KLS?

Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare disorder that causes recurring periods of excessive sleepiness. In some cases, this means up to 20 hours a day are spent sleeping….Episodes can also trigger other symptoms, such as:

• hallucinations.
• disorientation.
• irritability.
• childish behavior.
• increased appetite.
• excessive sex drive.

What do you call a person who talks in their sleep?

Sleep talking, formally known as somniloquy, is a sleep disorder defined as talking during sleep without being aware of it. Sleep talking can involve complicated dialogues or monologues, complete gibberish or mumbling.

What is Kleine-Levin syndrome in adults?

View Full Treatment Information. Definition. Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare disorder that primarily affects adolescent males (approximately 70 percent of those with Kleine-Levin syndrome are male). It is characterized by recurring but reversible periods of excessive sleep (up to 20 hours per day).

How effective is lithium for treating Kleine-Levin syndrome?

Lithium, a drug used to treat serious mood disorders (affective) disorders, has been effective in some cases. One report detailed five adolescents with Kleine-Levin syndrome who received treatment with lithium. Episodes of excessive sleep were shortened by treatment with lithium and no behavioral symptoms were present.

How long does it take to recover from Kleine-Levin syndrome?

Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) episodes are cyclical. When present, KLS symptoms persist for days, weeks or even months, during which time all normal daily activities stop. Individuals are not able to attend school, work or care for themselves.

What tests are used to diagnose keleine-Levin syndrome?

Kleine-Levin syndrome may be confirmed based upon excessive sleep requirements (hypersomnolence); the desire to eat all available food (compulsive hyperphagia); and hypersexuality. Certain medical tests may be performed to rule out other conditions such as epilepsy, brain lesions, meningitis or encephalitis.