Question 25 (part 2) · LEK · Sleep-wake disorders
A 5-year-old boy is brought to the doctor by his mother as she has been worried about his behaviour for a couple of months. The patient’s mother reports that at night he occasionally seems very scared, sits on his bed, crying and shouting something unintelligibly. She says that during such incidents he is very difficult to calm down, shakes violently, sweats excessively and breathes fast. After 10-15 minutes he finally calms down and falls asleep. Which of these questions should be asked to confirm the diagnosis of night terrors in this patient?
- A. Are there any upper and lower limb tremors during sleep?
- B. Does the patient have nightmares?
- C. Does the patient go to bed late?
- D. Does the patient watch violent films?
- E. Does the patient wet his bed?
Hint
Which differential diagnosis also gives frightening night episodes, but with full awakening and vivid recall of a dream?
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