What is Kleine-Levin syndrome?
Kleine-Levin hibernation syndrome; Familial Kleine-Levin syndrome; Familial hibernation syndrome Kleine Levin syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive sleep (hypersomnia) along with cognitive and behavioral changes. Affected individuals may sleep for up to 20 hours per day during an episode.
How long does Kleine Levin syndrome last?
Summary Summary. Kleine Levin syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive sleep (hypersomnia) along with cognitive and behavioral changes. Affected individuals may sleep for up to 20 hours per day during an episode. These episodes usually last for a few days to a few weeks.
How is Kleine–Levin syndrome (KLE) treated?
Patients suffering from Kleine–Levin syndrome can present to either their primary care physician, pediatrician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, psychiatrist, psychologist, neurologist, or somnologist. Psychotherapy can be provided by non-physician professionals such as psychologists.
Can Kleine-Levin syndrome be misdiagnosed as bipolar?
Diagnosing Kleine-Levin Syndrome. The symptoms of KLS – somnolence, hyperphagia and withdrawal – can mimic those of severe depression, sometimes followed by a brief period of high, manic energy that could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Because of all these variables, all other possibilities need to be ruled out,...
What is Kleine Levin syndrome?
How long does Kleine Levin syndrome last?
What to do if you can't find a specialist?
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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.
How is KLS diagnosed?
To be diagnosed with KLS, a person must meet first the criteria for recurrent hypersomnia: Episodes of excessive sleepiness lasting between two days and five weeks. Episodes occur at least once every 18 months and often more frequently. Normal behavior and cognition between episodes.
What triggers a KLS episode?
While the exact cause of KLS is unknown, there is emerging evidence to suggest that cold or flu symptoms often precede a Kleine-Levin Syndrome episode. Researchers also speculate that KLS could be caused by a head injury, infection, infectious disease, or autoimmune disorder.
How common is Kleine-Levin syndrome?
Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare disorder with an estimated prevalence of one to five cases per million population [2-8]. Patients with primary KLS can be found worldwide, with a higher prevalence among Ashkenazi Jews.
What triggers 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 is the rarest sleep disorder?
Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) is a rare genetic degenerative brain disorder. It is characterized by an inability to sleep (insomnia) that may be initially mild, but progressively worsens, leading to significant physical and mental deterioration.
Can you wake up a person with sleeping beauty syndrome?
Unlike the fictional Sleeping Beauty, people with Kleine-Levin syndrome can be woken up during an episode and may wake up occasionally on their own to eat or use the bathroom, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
How do you treat KLS?
There is no specific, definitive treatment to cure or control KLS.
How is KLS similar to narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy and the Kleine–Levin syndrome (KLS), a specific form of periodic idiopathic hypersomnia, are two different sleep disorders characterized by excessive sleepiness. However, the temporal course of the sleepiness and concomitant neurological symptoms are different.
What is a KLS episode?
Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare condition that causes a person to sleep for long periods of time. People diagnosed with KLS experience episodes where they sleep up to 20 hours per day and have changes to their behavior. The direct cause is unknown but treatment for KLS addresses symptoms.
How long do people sleep with sleeping beauty syndrome?
What Is Kleine-Levin Syndrome (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. For this reason, the condition is commonly referred to as “sleeping beauty syndrome.”
How rare is KLS?
KLS is very rare, occurring at a rate of 1 in 1 million, which limits research into genetic factors. The condition primarily affects adolescent males, though females can also be affected and the age of onset varies.
How is KLS similar to narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy and the Kleine–Levin syndrome (KLS), a specific form of periodic idiopathic hypersomnia, are two different sleep disorders characterized by excessive sleepiness. However, the temporal course of the sleepiness and concomitant neurological symptoms are different.
How do you treat excessive daytime sleepiness?
Sleep Hygiene and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Ensure the sleep environment is dark, cool, and quiet. Use the bed only for sex and sleep. Exercise regularly during daytime hours. Reduce consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and drugs.
What is Cataplexia?
Cataplexy. This sudden loss of muscle tone while a person is awake leads to weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control. It is often triggered by sudden, strong emotions such as laughter, fear, anger, stress, or excitement. The symptoms of cataplexy may appear weeks or even years after the onset of EDS.
Why do I sleep in the day time?
The most common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness are sleep deprivation, obstructive sleep apnea, and sedating medications. Other potential causes of excessive daytime sleepiness include certain medical and psychiatric conditions and sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy.
Kleine-Levin Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Outlook - Cleveland Clinic
Overview What is Kleine-Levin syndrome? Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS), also known as “sleeping beauty syndrome” or “familial hibernation syndrome,” is an extremely rare condition that causes intermittent episodes where you sleep for long periods of time, which prevents you from staying awake during the day (hypersomnia).KLS also affects your behavior.
What is Kleine Levin Syndrome (KLS)? - WebMD
Learn what Kleine Levin Syndrome is. Understand how this rare disorder presents itself, what causes it, how to diagnose it, and how to treat it.
Kleine–Levin syndrome - Wikipedia
Symptoms. Patients with Kleine–Levin syndrome (KLS) experience recurring episodes of prolonged sleep (hypersomnia).In most cases, patients sleep 15 to 21 hours a day during episodes. Excessive appetite (hyperphagia) and unusual cravings are present in half to two thirds of cases.About half of patients, mainly male patients, experience dramatically increased sexual urges (hypersexuality).
Kleine-Levin Syndrome | National Institute of Neurological Disorders ...
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). 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 ...
What is Kleine Levin syndrome?
Kleine Levin syndrome primarily affects adolescent males, but it also affects females and individuals of other ages. The underlying cause of this condition is unknown. Episodes tend to decrease with advancing age. There are no consistently effective therapies, although stimulants (modafinil, methylphenidate, amphetamine) and mood stabilizers ...
How long does Kleine Levin syndrome last?
Affected individuals may sleep for up to 20 hours per day during an episode. These episodes usually last for a few days to a few weeks. An episode may start abruptly and is sometimes preceded by ...
What to do if you can't find a specialist?
If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists.
What tests are done for KLS?
As a result, potential KLS patients often will undergo a lot of tests in various specialties: for metabolic problems including diabetes, metabolic encephalopathies and hypothyroidism; an MRI to rule out a lesion, tumor or inflammation as the cause; even for multiple sclerosis, which has aspects that can mimic the symptoms of KLS.
What are the symptoms of KLS?
The symptoms of KLS – somnolence, hyperphagia and withdrawal – can mimic those of severe depression, sometimes followed by a brief period of high, manic energy that could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Is KLS a challenge?
Diagnosing KLS is admittedly a challenge but can be a relief for a family in search of answers. Because its primary symptom, hypersomnia, is common to a number of disorders, the process by which we diagnose KLS is one of exclusion – ruling out other conditions that share symptoms. As a result, potential KLS patients often will undergo a lot ...
How Is Kleine-Levin Syndrome Diagnosed?
Typically, healthcare providers first rule out other disorders that have similar symptoms. Healthcare providers also verify that drugs or medications are not causing the symptoms.
When Should You Talk to Your Doctor About Kleine-Levin Syndrome?
If you experience symptoms of KLS, report them to your healthcare provider as early as possible. After an episode, some patients may feel embarrassed about their behavior or actions and be reluctant to share their symptoms. However, a clear understanding of your symptoms can help your doctor confirm diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
What medications can help with KLS?
Some drugs may improve some symptoms of KLS but negatively impact others. For example, amphetamines and modafinil can treat sleepiness but worsen irritability. Temporary use of antidepressants or mood-stabilizing drugs may alleviate psychiatric symptoms. Antidepressants prevented relapse in only one known case.
Why do people with KLS become withdrawn?
Anxious or Depressed Mood: People with KLS become withdrawn during episodes because they are unable to socialize as they normally do. About 15% of people with KLS report suicidal ideation.
How many people are affected by KLS?
The disorder affects one to two people per million 2 and primarily adolescent boys. Around 70% of people with KLS are male. KLS shares characteristics similar to narcolepsy and can cause excessive sleepiness and hunger 3.
How long does it take to get KLS?
The primary symptom is excessive sleepiness that requires you to sleep for extremely long periods of time, often more than 18 hours in a day 4. There are a number of additional changes in cognition and behavior that accompany the need to excessively sleep:
What is the symptom of KLS?
Increased Appetite: A common symptom of KLS is hyperphagia 5 , or heightened focus on food and increased food intake. Typically, people with KLS eat any food offered to them 6 and especially crave sweet foods. They may increase their food intake to as many as six to eight meals a day 7.
What tests are done for KLS?
Symptoms of KLS can mimic other health conditions. Your doctor may conduct a physical examination and diagnostic testing. This may include blood work, a sleep study, and imaging tests.
What is KLS in medical terms?
KLS is also known as “sleeping beauty syndrome”. 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. For this reason, the condition is commonly referred to as “sleeping beauty syndrome.”. KLS can also produce changes in behavior and ...
How long do symptoms of KLS last?
In fact, affected individuals typically don’t have any symptoms between episodes. When symptoms do appear, they can last a few days, weeks, or even months. Common symptoms include extreme sleepiness.
How many hours a day do you sleep with KLS?
There may be a strong desire to go to bed and trouble getting up in the morning. During an episode, it’s not uncommon to sleep up to 20 hours a day. People living with KLS may get up to use the bathroom and eat, then go back to sleep.
Why do people get KLS?
Some people develop KLS after an infection like the flu. This has led some researchers to believe KLS may be a type of autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disease is when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. Some incidents of KLS may also be genetic.
What are the conditions that a doctor checks for?
Your doctor uses these tests to check for and rule out the following conditions: diabetes. hypothyroidism. tumors. inflammation. infections. other sleep disorders. neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. Excessive sleepiness is also a characteristic of depression.
How long does it take to live with KLS?
Living with KLS. Because episodes of KLS can occur over a span of 10 years or more , living with this condition can have a tremendous impact on your life. It can interfere with your ability to work, go to school, and cultivate relationships with friends and family.
What Is the Treatment for Kleine-Levin Syndrome?
Kleine-Levin Syndrome treatment aims at reducing symptoms, primarily through the use of medication.
What Causes KLS Syndrome?
While the exact cause of KLS is unknown, there is emerging evidence to suggest that cold or flu symptoms often precede a Kleine-Levin Syndrome episode.
What is Kleine Levin syndrome?
Kleine Levin syndrome primarily affects adolescent males, but it also affects females and individuals of other ages. The underlying cause of this condition is unknown. Episodes tend to decrease with advancing age. There are no consistently effective therapies, although stimulants (modafinil, methylphenidate, amphetamine) and mood stabilizers ...
How long does Kleine Levin syndrome last?
Affected individuals may sleep for up to 20 hours per day during an episode. These episodes usually last for a few days to a few weeks. An episode may start abruptly and is sometimes preceded by ...
What to do if you can't find a specialist?
If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists.
