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How is Idiopathic Hypersomnia diagnosed?

See how Idiopathic Hypersomnia is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Idiopathic Hypersomnia diagnosis

Diagnosis of Idiopathic Hypersomnia


Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) that is not alleviated by sufficient sleep. It is a chronic condition that can significantly impact an individual's daily functioning and quality of life. Diagnosing IH involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, typically a sleep specialist or neurologist, to rule out other potential causes of excessive sleepiness.



Medical History and Physical Examination


The diagnostic process for IH begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. The healthcare provider will inquire about the patient's sleep patterns, symptoms, and any underlying medical conditions. They will also assess the patient's overall health and perform a physical examination to rule out other potential causes of excessive sleepiness, such as thyroid disorders or medication side effects.



Sleep Diary and Sleep Questionnaires


Keeping a sleep diary can provide valuable information about the patient's sleep patterns and daytime symptoms. The patient will be asked to record their sleep duration, quality, and any daytime naps or episodes of excessive sleepiness. Additionally, sleep questionnaires may be used to assess the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life.



Polysomnography (PSG)


Polysomnography is a comprehensive sleep study that involves monitoring various physiological parameters during sleep. It is typically conducted overnight in a sleep laboratory. During PSG, the patient's brain activity, eye movements, muscle tone, heart rate, and breathing patterns are recorded. This test helps to rule out other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy, which can present with similar symptoms to IH.



Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)


The Multiple Sleep Latency Test is often performed the day after a PSG. It measures the patient's tendency to fall asleep during the day and assesses the presence of excessive daytime sleepiness. The MSLT involves a series of nap opportunities throughout the day, during which the patient is monitored for sleep onset and the time it takes to fall asleep. In IH, individuals typically have a shorter sleep latency and enter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep faster than individuals without the disorder.



Elimination of Other Causes


Diagnosing IH requires ruling out other potential causes of excessive sleepiness. This may involve additional tests or consultations with other specialists, depending on the patient's specific symptoms and medical history. Conditions such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, depression, or certain medications can contribute to excessive sleepiness and need to be excluded before an IH diagnosis can be made.



Consultation with a Sleep Specialist


Given the complexity of diagnosing IH, it is crucial to consult with a sleep specialist or neurologist experienced in sleep disorders. They will interpret the results of the sleep studies, review the patient's medical history, and consider all relevant factors before making a diagnosis. The specialist will also discuss treatment options and develop a personalized management plan to address the symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.



In conclusion, diagnosing Idiopathic Hypersomnia involves a comprehensive evaluation, including a medical history review, physical examination, sleep diary, sleep questionnaires, polysomnography, multiple sleep latency test, and the elimination of other potential causes. Consulting with a sleep specialist is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of this chronic sleep disorder.


Diseasemaps
6 answers
Usually a night time sleep study and daytime MSLT

Posted Jun 6, 2017 by Candice 2150
I had two night sleep studies and also an MSLT study (daytime sleepiness study, consisting of five naps during the day, after a night of sleep).

Posted Jun 7, 2017 by Sarah 2050
By taking a polysomnography (PSG) and multiple sleep latency test (mslt)

Posted Jun 11, 2017 by Maddy 600
The definitive diagnosis follows two tests which are carried out in a controlled environment such as a sleep clinic.
The first is a Polysomnography which is a test conducted through the night which measures sleep efficiency by way of wires connected from a computer to various parts of the body ,including the scalp, and a video camera. This can then provide results such as R.E.M. content, apnoea, restless leg syndrome. It is also a guide to be used in conjunction with the second test-Multi Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). This is conducted using the same wires and monitoring system but in intervals of 20 minutes throughout the following day. This gives results that outlines be how quickly a person goes to sleep (latency) and whether they have R.E.M. sleep. These results could lead to the diagnosis of narcolepsy, Sleep Apnoea, Idiopathic Hypersomnia, etc, or require further testing if sleep was normal.

Posted Jan 10, 2018 by Donnbot 610
Sleep studies at neuroscience department . Electrodes overnight in sleep lab. With sleep specialist. I was sent by the educational dept too prove I was an unfit parent. It back fired on them

Posted Oct 16, 2018 by Kathy 1600

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Stories of Idiopathic Hypersomnia

IDIOPATHIC HYPERSOMNIA STORIES
Idiopathic Hypersomnia stories
IH is hard  to explain to anyone and nobody believes you anyways. I was always tired and they ran every single test I could think of and finally one day a doctor suggested I get a sleep study done.  The sleep study showed nothing so they set me up ...
Idiopathic Hypersomnia stories
I ha e been dealing with IH for 10 years before being diagnosed. Started when I was 19 and having a hard time staying away while driving and only got worse as time went on. Many many test and many army doctor not listening or just putting it up to an...
Idiopathic Hypersomnia stories
J'ai etait diagnostiquer HI il y a 1 ans. 
Idiopathic Hypersomnia stories
Idiopathic Hypersomnia stories

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https://sleepandbleep.weebly.com/   Visit my new website and help me build a supportive community. My goal is to provide a one-stop-shop for those with IH to seek advice from others going through similar circumstances, promote self-advocac...

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