Recurrent hypersomnia: Kleine-Levin syndrome

Abstract

Introduction

Kleine-Levin syndrome was first described by Kleine in 1925 and elaborated on by Levi in 1936. It is an infrequent syndrome that predominantly affects to teenagers, and boys are four times more likely to be affected than girls. It is rare for patients over 30 years although some cases have been reported. Kleine-Levin syndrome is a recurrent hypersomnia characterized by episodes of hypersomnia lasting for 2 days to 4 weeks associated with symptoms of hyperphagia, hypersexuality and cognitive impairment. It can be accompanied by other abnormal behavior such as aggression, personality changes and irritability. Deficits are resolved between episodes.

Case report

It is presented the case report of a patient that suffers from recurrent episodes of hypersomnia associated with hyperphagia and abnormal behavior.

Electroencephalography

EEG demonstrates slowing of drowsiness and a decrease in REM sleep. The test of multiple sleep latency is abnormal and the rest of complementary test are normal.

Diagnosis

F51.1 Recurrent hypersomnia (Kleine-Levin syndrome) [307.44].

Discussion

Kleine-Levin syndrome is an intriguing, severe and homogenous disease with no obvious cause or treatment. Treatment is generally supportive. It should be considered in any teenager presenting with recurrent episodes of hypersomnia concurrent with cognitive changes or disinhibition.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.