Chapter 30 - Sleep-related epilepsy

Summary

Epilepsy is among the most common neurological disorders. Worldwide, it affects 1-3% of the population. Episodes that occur only during sleep should raise the suspicion of sleep disorder, although cataplexy and sleep attacks occur with the patient in wakeup state. While most seizure types have the potential to occur during sleep, some have particularly strong association. Awakening Grand Mal epilepsy and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy are often considered with respect to sleep. The primary tool for investigation of seizures is the electroencephalogram (EEG). Several drugs commonly used for sleep have potential influence on seizures. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates are used for both conditions. Many patients with sleep disorders take antidepressant drugs. While there are reports of increased seizures with tricyclic anti-depressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), any risk is probably minimal and these are not generally problematic.