Hello, I am Dr. Romain Rajan, General Physician.
Ex-Resident, RML Hospital, New Delhi.
Your case has been allotted to me.
Based on the detailed history you have described, your symptoms are not normal sleep talking alone. The combination of violent movements during sleep, acting out vivid dreams, confusion on awakening, sleep paralysis, lack of memory of events, and risk to self or others strongly suggests a parasomnia, most likely REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD) or a complex NREM parasomnia, and in some cases overlap with sleep-related dissociative or seizure-like disorders must also be ruled out.
The fact that this has been present since childhood, runs in the family, and has progressively worsened with violent behaviors makes formal evaluation essential. These episodes are not intentional, and patients are often completely unaware of their actions during sleep.
What This Could Represent (Possibilities)
• REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (dream enactment due to loss of normal muscle paralysis during REM sleep)
• Severe NREM parasomnia (confusional arousals / sleep terrors with motor activity)
• Overlap parasomnia
• Less commonly, nocturnal seizures (must be ruled out)
• Contribution from stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, alcohol, or medications
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Correct Evaluation You Should Undergo
• Video Polysomnography (Sleep Study with EEG + EMG + video recording) – this is the most important test
• Neurology or Sleep Medicine specialist consultation
• Detailed sleep history including timing of episodes, triggers, and family history
• If indicated, brain imaging or EEG to rule out seizures
A routine sleep study without video or EEG is NOT sufficient in your case.
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Immediate Safety Measures (Very Important)
Until proper diagnosis and treatment:
• Do not sleep alone if possible
• Remove sharp or dangerous objects from the bedroom
• Use soft pillows and barriers; avoid sleeping near edges
• Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and sleep deprivation
• Maintain a fixed sleep schedule
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When to See a Doctor Immediately
Seek urgent medical care if:
• Episodes are becoming more violent or frequent
• There is injury to you or others
• Confusion persists for long after waking
• There are daytime blackouts, memory gaps, or seizures
• New neurological symptoms (weakness, speech issues) appear
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This condition is treatable, but requires proper diagnosis and tailored management, often involving medications and strict sleep hygiene.
For a detailed discussion, correct evaluation planning, and step-by-step management guidance, you may connect with me on my WhatsApp number: 85271646 seven seven for this concern or any future medical queries.
Through WhatsApp consultation, you will receive a comprehensive medical evaluation, guidance on the correct type of sleep study, medication planning if required, safety counseling, and long-term management advice.
Answered2025-12-23 04:28:55
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