Kleine Levin syndrome
Kleine-Levin Syndrome (pronounced: KLY-neh LEH-vin) is a rare and complex neurological disorder characterized by recurring periods of excessive amounts of sleep, altered behavior, and a reduced understanding of the world. The disorder strikes adolescents primarily but can occur in younger children and adults. During episodes, patients are completely disabled and unable to function. In between episodes, those with the syndrome return to normal with no recollection of the episode. The onset of the syndrome is often abrupt and may be associated with flu-like symptoms.
Etymology
The syndrome is named after Willi Kleine, a neurologist from Frankfurt, Germany, and Max Levin, a psychiatrist from New York, who independently described the syndrome in 1925 and 1936 respectively.
Symptoms
The main symptom of Kleine-Levin Syndrome is excessive sleep (hypersomnia), which can last up to 20 hours a day. Other symptoms include cognitive changes, eating disorders, feeling of unreality, and hypersexuality.
Causes
The exact cause of Kleine-Levin Syndrome is unknown. Some researchers speculate that it might be related to malfunction of the hypothalamus and thalamus, parts of the brain that control appetite and sleep.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Kleine-Levin Syndrome is based on the patient's symptoms and clinical history. There are no specific laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no cure for Kleine-Levin Syndrome, and treatment is symptomatic, often involving medications to alleviate the symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with Kleine-Levin Syndrome varies. While the disorder does resolve over time, how long it takes can vary from one individual to another.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Kleine Levin syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Kleine Levin syndrome
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