Abstract

CHICA URZOLA, Heydy Luz; ESCOBAR CORDOBA, Franklin  and  ECHEVERRY CHABUR, Jorge. Clinical Evaluation of Hypersomnia. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2004, vol.33, n.1, pp.45-63. ISSN 0034-7450.

Sleep physiology and its neuroanatomic basis is currently only partially clarified. We know the modifications sleep can suffer but not its function, so it is postulated that its principal role is to repair and regulate the central nervous system and other structures of the body. Hypersomnia represents a frequent problem with a global prevalence of around 16%. It is an important symptom for both the patient and his companion, and the approach to the diagnosis includes complete auto and heteroanamnesis. Also, subjective and objective methods exist that facilitate the diagnosis and allow the etiology to be clarified. Somatic, psychological exams (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Stanford Sleepiness Scale), polysomnography, as well as multiple sleep latency tests and maintenance of wakefulness tests are used. Chronic sleep deprivation syndrome, hypersomnia associated with sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnea, motor dysfunctions during sleep, narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, among others, are frequent causes of hypersomnia. An appropriate intervention demands careful diagnosis and an etiological treatment.

Keywords : disorders of excessive somnolence; evaluation; diagnosis; sleep disorders.

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