An unusual case of episodic stupor

De Silva, Deidre Anne; Ling, Lim Li; Yeong, Ng Beng; Puvanendran, K

doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2006.02.008

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Volume 7, Issue 4 , Pages 380-381, June 2006

An unusual case of episodic stupor

Deidre Anne De Silva
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital Campus, Outram Road, Singapore, Singapore 169608
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +65 63265003; fax: +65 62203321.
Lim Li Ling
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute and Sleep Disorders Unit, Singapore General Hospital Campus, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, Singapore 169608
Ng Beng Yeong
- Department of Behavioural Medicine and Sleep Disorders Unit, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, Singapore 169608
K Puvanendran
- Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute and Sleep Disorders Unit, Singapore General Hospital Campus, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, Singapore 169608

Received 3 November 2005; received in revised form 20 February 2006; accepted 22 February 2006.

Abstract

We present a case of episodic stupor associated with a myriad of neuropyschiatric manifestations that baffled doctors until they were recognized as sleep attacks. Continuous monitoring and recognition of a cyclical pattern of symptoms and signs helped to uncover the underlying cause of a rapidly cycling bipolar disorder. The symptoms abated quickly and persistently when treated by olanzapine and lithium.

Keywords: Sleep attacks, Sleep deprivation, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Hypomania, Stupor