Klein-Levin Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Klein-Levin syndrome is a recurring disorder characterized by a disturbance in the periods of sleep and wakefulness. Its duration can vary from one day to 2-3 weeks. The patient wakes up for only a few hours, while behaving inadequately and suffers from binge eating. This is a rare enough pathology, but it captures the attention of many scientists with its unusual symptomatology.

general information

The first mention of an unusual syndrome dates back to 1925. A psychiatrist from Germany, Willy Klein, described in detail several cases of "hibernation" among his patients. Later, in 1936, American researcher Max Levin supplemented the information of his colleague with five new observations of wakefulness disorder and food abnormalities. Soon the pathology got its name by the surnames of two scientists.

The Klein-Levin syndrome, in spite of its rarity, is isolated as a separate disease among other sleep disorders. To a greater extent, he is exposed to males aged 15-25. Only a few clinical cases have been described in girls of pubertal age. According to scientists, they are all due to fluctuations in the level of progesterone in the body.

Main reasons

How does the Klein-Levin syndrome develop? Until recently, the etiology of the disease remained unknown. Thanks to the development of science, more precisely the appearance of positron emission tomography, some assumptions of scientists have been confirmed.

Experts identify the main causes of the development of the disease as dysfunction of the reticular formation of the brain and the hypothalamus. Another predisposing factor is hormonal changes in the body, which is confirmed by the detection of pathology among adolescents of both sexes. A certain role is played by viral diseases, craniocerebral trauma, an unreasonable increase in body temperature. Many patients have a hereditary relationship. The next of kin can suffer from manifestations of such a rare syndrome.

It is impossible to say which of these factors plays the main role in the development of the disease. Most scientists agree that in the pathogenesis of the disease is a genetic defect in the regulation of the hypothalamus, which is activated under the influence of hormonal disorders in the puberty period.

General clinical picture

The Klein-Levin syndrome is characterized by bouts of prolonged sleep (about 20 hours). Their flow is interrupted only by the satisfaction of natural needs. At this time, it is impossible to awaken the patient. Such attacks can last from a few days to two weeks. In the medical literature, the case is described when the maximum period of "hibernation" was 42 days.

With every seizure, sleep is not complete. The person does not rest, and after each awakening, due to lack of energy, falls asleep again. When the episode ends, the patient feels a strong sense of hunger. He begins to eat everything that comes in the way. After satisfying the feeling of hunger, the patient again goes to sleep.

What else has Klein-Levin syndrome symptoms? Short intervals of wakefulness are sometimes accompanied by excessive aggressiveness and irritability, hallucinations. When the exacerbation ends, the patient gradually returns to the usual pace of life. He may not remember the last few days or weeks, believing that he slept only one night. Outside attacks a person looks absolutely healthy. However, against the backdrop of uncontrolled appetite, he can increase body weight.

Treatment

A clear scheme of therapy for this disease does not exist for two reasons. First, the exact cause of its development is not revealed. Secondly, pathology tends to spontaneous regress. Therefore, many doctors do not see the need for drug therapy.

"Hibernation" for several weeks, an uncontrolled feeling of hunger - these symptoms directly characterize the Klein-Levin syndrome. Treatment is prescribed in the event that such disorders cause discomfort to the native patient. What medications are prescribed for patients? As a rule, these are neuroleptics, tranquilizers and antidepressants. The listed means are appointed individually, taking into account the nature of the course of the disease. Dosed their use helps to reduce the number of seizures, contributes to long-term remission. Medicinal products should be used only as symptomatic therapy. They help not so much the patient himself, as his relatives survive the painful period.

Forecast

The Klein-Levin syndrome, appearing unexpectedly, gradually diminishes its manifestations. What does this mean? Over time, seizures become less prolonged, and the gaps between them increase. As a result, the disease is spontaneously eliminated, leaving no visible health problems.

Let's sum up the results

Now you know which Klein-Levine syndrome has signs. The causes of the appearance of this disease are not fully understood. Effective methods of treatment are also not developed. Patients who have had to face attacks of prolonged sleep and excessive appetite, it is necessary simply to survive. Pathology always ends in complete recovery. Currently, scientists are actively working on the issue of creating radical treatment for the syndrome.