An unusual presentation of obstructive sleep apnoeas

• DOI: 10.1136/bcr.12.2008.1336
• Publication Date: 2009-03-05T15:09:43Z
• Authors: Sanjana Nyatsanza; Karthik Ganapathy; Vandana Menon; Ian Smith
• Keywords: Irritability; Parasomnia; Somnolence; Sleep

We report the case of a 69-year-old married man who presented with features irritability, characterised by outbursts anger, short-term memory deficits and clumsiness, which progressed over period some 20 years. A detailed review elicited motor verbal agitation during sleep, history that was only available from his wife. He had excessive daytime sleepiness. parasomnia in association possible neurological disorder suspected referral made to sleep disorders clinic. Further investigation polysomnography determined abnormal behaviours night were secondary arousals caused obstructive apnoea. Treatment continuous positive airways pressure therapy prevented at night, improved sleepiness but also led improvements temper, all corroborated