Kleine–Levin syndrome. A case report

Abstract

Introduction

Nowadays, 30% of the Spanish population suffers from some form of sleep disorder, occupying much of the visits to a psychiatrist. Sleep disorders are not a serious condition by itself, but have serious implications in daily life: physical exhaustion, poor performance, daytime sleepiness. Insomnia is a most common sleep disorder, however, hypersomnia must also be considered due to the limitations that it causes.

Objective

By the description of case report, we will carry out a review of the syndrome Kleine Levine.

Methods

Case report.

Results

A case of Kleine–Levin syndrome in a 23-year-old male is described. The episodic disorder was characterized by excessive sleep, voracious appetite, hyper-sexuality, irritability and memory loss. Among its history, he included a psychotic episode in childhood and an episode of behavioral disorder caused by a stressful situation. His partner refers a similar episode of hypersomnia last year that was self-limiting in 15 days and he did not go to the doctor. Patients often act normal between episodes. Remission was spontaneous. Prospects, for organic aetiology, differential diagnosis. However, arises additional tests (analytical, brain CT, EEG…) resulted no pathological. Patient fulfilled the criteria for KLS, but due to the rarity of the disorder he was previously diagnosed as psychosis not otherwise specified.

Conclusions

This case report aim to highlight that KLS though considered a rare disorder but not uncommon and lack of enough available research data is likely to be responsible for missed or erroneous diagnosis; thus we require more systematic studies regarding etiologies and treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.