Whole body shakes during sleep. What is it?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My brother-in-law, aged 15 years was seen to be shaking the whole body during the night sleeps at times during the last six months. But during this problem, he remains unconscious. He does so only when he is in deep sleep. We consulted a doctor locally and he suggested magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and electroencephalogram (EEG). He also prescribed some medicines and said that he will have to take the medicines for at least three years, and then only the problem can be cured and also suggested that he should not sleep for more than six hours at night. So I want to seek your opinion in this regard and what is the disease and could it be cured? Also advise on the medicines prescribed by our local doctor and any other precautions to be taken.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com. The diagnosis seems to be correct (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It indeed looks like epilepsy. Sometimes, the cause is unclear. Sometimes it is due to an underlying genetic problem. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being normal there is no need for any kind of surgical treatment for this problem. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is abnormal and he would definitely require antiepileptic treatment for 2 to 3 years at least. After that, repeat EEG and see for improvement. If no seizure recurrence during these three years, then antiepileptics can be tapered off.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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