Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Behavior Disorder - Medtick
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Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Behavior Disorder

What is it?

When ones muscle are not at rest whilst asleep – this condition occurs during our dream phases during sleep.

The specific criteria for REM sleep behavior disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) include the following:

  • Recurrent episodes of arousal during sleep associated with vocalization and/or complex motor behaviors that arise during REM sleep
  • On waking from these episodes, the individual is not confused or disoriented and is completely alert
  • Either of the following is present: REM sleep without atonia on polysomnography recordings or a history suggestive of REM sleep behavior disorder and an established synucleinopathy diagnosis (eg, Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy)
  • The episodes cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning, which may include serious injury to self or the bed partner
  • The disturbance cannot be explained by the effects of a drug of abuse or medication
  • The episodes cannot be attributed to another mental disorder or medical condition

Further diagnosis

  • Routine medical history should include questions that screen for abnormal sleep movements and altered dreams.
  • The presenting complaint is often violent dream-enacting behaviors during REM sleep, often causing self-injury or injury to the bed partner.
  • The dream-enacting behaviors are usually nondirected and may include punching, kicking, leaping, crying out, or running from bed while still in REM sleep.
  • The patient may be wakened or may wake spontaneously during an attack and vividly recall the dream that corresponds to the physical action.
  • In some cases, an extended prodrome of prominent limb and body movements occurs before the development of REM sleep behavior disorder.

Symptoms

  • Talking or screaming?
  • Reaching?
  • Punching?
  • Kicking?
  • Jumping or falling out of bed?
  • Running?
  • Striking furniture?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

An important aspect of management of patients with REM sleep behavior disorder is environmental safety:

  • Potentially dangerous objects should be removed from the bedroom.
  • Mattress should be placed on the floor or a cushion should be placed around the bed.

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Behavior Disorder in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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