Non-convulsive status epilepticus induced by tiagabine in a patient with pseudoseizure

Tiagabine, a novel GABA reuptake inhibitor, has been reported to induce non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in patients with epilepsy. We report a 27 year old female with history of pseudoseizure documented by video-EEG monitoring who presented confusion while on 56 mg per day of tiagabine. Electroencephalography showed generalized sharp and slow wave discharges, consistent with NCSE. The NCSE was terminated by lorazepam and did not recur after tiagabine was discontinued. This case report suggests that tiagabine may induce NCSE in patients without epilepsy

Sleep Technologists Educational Needs Assessment: A Survey of Polysomnography, Electroneurodiagnostic Technology, and Respiratory Therapy Education Program Directors

In this study, we assessed the community and educational needs for sleep technologists by surveying program directors of nationally accredited polysomnography, electroneurodiagnostic technology, and respiratory care educational programs. Currently, little is known about our educational capacity and the need for advanced degrees for sleep medicine technical support

Sleep and Epilepsy

No Abstract

Progression of Polysomnographic Abnormalities in Mucolipidosis II (I-Cell Disease)

Mucolipidosis II (Inclusion cell or I-cell disease) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder clinically comparable to the mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), characterized by progressive respiratory and neurologic deterioration. Sleep problems, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and disrupted sleep architecture, are observed in other lysosomal storage diseases but have not been described in mucolipidosis II. We report the progression of polysomnographic abnormalities in a child with mucolipidosis II, demonstrated by worsening sleep-related hypoventilation, OSA, and sleep state fragmentation despite advancing PAP therapy. Background slowing and reduction in spindle activity on limited EEG may reflect progressive CNS disease affecting thalamic neurons

Feedback-Controlled Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Reveals a Functional Role of Sleep Spindles in Motor Memory Consolidation

Transient episodes of brain oscillations are a common feature of both the waking and sleeping brain. Sleep spindles represent a prominent example of a poorly understood transient brain oscillation that is impaired in disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. Yet, the causal role of these bouts of thalamo-cortical oscillations remains unknown. Demonstrating a functional role of sleep spindles in cognitive processes has so far been hindered by the lack of a tool to target transient brain oscillations in real-time. Here, we show for the first time selective enhancement of sleep spindles with non-invasive brain stimulation in humans. We developed a system that detects sleep spindles in real-time and applies oscillatory stimulation. Our stimulation selectively enhanced spindle activity as determined by increased sigma activity after tACS application. This targeted modulation caused significant enhancement of motor memory consolidation that correlated with the stimulation-induced change in fast spindle activity. Strikingly, we found a similar correlation between motor memory and spindle characteristics during the sham night for the same spindle frequencies and electrode locations. Therefore, our results directly demonstrate a functional relationship between oscillatory spindle activity and cognition

The Current State of Sleep Medicine Education in US Neurology Residency Training Programs: Where Do We Go from Here?

To evaluate the current state of sleep medicine educational resources and training offered by US neurology residency programs

Relationship of Sleep to Pulmonary Function in Mucopolysaccharidosis II

To study the sleep characteristics, pulmonary function, and their relationships in an enzyme naive population of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) II (Hunter syndrome)

Learning difficulties : a portuguese perspective of a universal issue

In this article we present findings of a study that was conducted with the purpose of deepening the knowledge about the field of learning difficulties in Portugal. Therefore, within these findings we will discuss across several cultural boundaries, themes related with the existence of learning difficulties as a construct, the terminology, the political, social and scientific influences on the field, and the models of identification and of ongoing school support for students. While addressing the above-mentioned themes we will draw attention to the different, yet converging, international understandings of learning difficulties

Development and Growth of a Large Multispecialty Certification Examination: Sleep Medicine Certification—Results of the First Three Examinations

This paper summarizes the results of the first three examinations (2007, 2009, and 2011) of the Sleep Medicine Certification Examination, administered by its six sponsoring American Board of Medical Specialty Boards. There were 2,913 candidates who took the 2011 examination through one of three pathways—self-attested practice experience, previous certification by the American Board of Sleep Medicine, or formal Sleep Medicine fellowship training. The 2011 exam was the last administration in which candidates who had not previously been admitted could take it without completion of formal Sleep Medicine fellowship training. As expected, the number of candidates admitted to the 2011 examination through the practice experience pathway increased, and the overall scores of these candidates were on average lower than the other candidates. Consequently, the pass rate for all first takers of the 2011 examination (65%) was lower than that observed from the 2009 examination (78%) and the 2007 examination (73%). For each administration, candidates admitted through the fellowship training pathway scored the highest; over 90% of them passed the 2011 and 2009 examinations