| Kleine-Levine Syndrome (KLS) | |||
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Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is an extremely rare disorder which generally causes the sufferer to need excessive amounts of sleep - perhaps 20 hours a day, an excessive food intake and experience an abnormally uninhibited sex drive. As this disorder is very rare it may be difficult to get a proper diagnosis as not many doctors have seen this disorder. You should consult a sleep doctor immediately should you suspect that you indeed suffer from KLS. So, who is most likely to suffer from KLS?The National Organisation of Rare Diseases claims that KLS primarily affects adolescent males. However, a survey completed by KLS sufferers shows that there is an even ratio of male to female patients diagnosed with this syndrome. Are there any other symptoms?Yes, sufferers of KLS may exhibit irritability, lethargy and/or apathy when awake. Victims may also appear confused, disorientated and may experience hallucinations. The symptoms of KLS are cyclic. This means that a patient may go for weeks or months without symptoms but when they reappear, they are persistent for days or even weeks. What causes KLS?The exact cause or causes of Kleine-Levin Syndrome are not known but it is believed that in some cases it is a genetic trait passed through the family line. It is also thought that it may be related to malfunctions in the parts of the brain which regulate sleep, appetite and body temperature. The most current theory is that KLS is caused by a virus. I think I may have KLS, will I simply grow out of it?Although it is thought to mainly affect adolescents, it has been known to remain until the late 30s in some cases. Unfortunately, as this is a rare disorder, there is not enough information to suggest with any certainty how long the episodes may continue for. What treatments are there? Can it be cured?Again, with KLS being a rare disorder, it is difficult to perform adequate research. In many cases, patients are prescribed medications which at first appear to work. However, the KLS cycle of symptoms can be separated by months. It is because of this that medications can’t properly evaluated as doctors believe that the medication has worked where in fact the symptoms have simply disappeared for a number of months until the cycle begins again. The most current theory is that KLS is caused by a virus. As such, some patients have been treated with Amantadine, which is used for sufferers of Parkinson’s Disease. Good results have been shown to date. Please visit your sleep doctor for full information on possible treatments of KLS or any other Sleep Disorder.
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