NeurologyLive® Brain Games: Test Your Knowledge – December 1, 2024
Ready to challenge your knowledge of the brain and nervous system?
NeurologyLive’s
weekly Brain Games challenge is here! Every Sunday, dive into exciting clinical and historicalbased questions curated by leading physicians, clinicians, and experts in the field of neurology.
This week, we delve into fascinating realm of sleep disorders – parasomnias –, exploring the intriguing world of sleepwalking, sleep talking, and more! Get ready to put your neurology expertise to the test.
Think you’re up for the challenge? “Click here” after choosing your answer!
“What is the primary neurotransmitter implicated in the pathophysiology of narcolepsy type 1?”
“Which of the following tests is essential for diagnosing idiopathic hypersomnia?”
“What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for narcolepsy with cataplexy?”
How well did you do on this week’s quiz? Let us know with a response to the poll below. Don’t forget to share and compare your results with your friends!
How many questions did you get correct?
Think you’re a Neurology guru? Check out the prior iterations of Brain Games and see if you can get a perfect score!
Interested in creating some challenging questions for future quizzes? We want to hear from you! Contact
NeurologyLive’'s
editor Marco Meglio via email: mmeglio@neurologylive.com.
## Unraveling the Mysteries of Sleep: An expert Interview on Parasomnias
This weekS NeurologyLive Brain Games featured a captivating challenge on parasomnias – disorders that disrupt our sleep. To delve deeper into this intriguing realm, we spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, a leading sleep medicine specialist at the renowned Sleep Research Institute.
Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. For our readers unfamiliar with parasomnias, could you provide a brief overview of what they are and how common they are?
**Dr. Carter:**
Absolutely. Parasomnias essentially encompass a range of unusual behaviors or experiences that occur during sleep. They can involve anything from sleepwalking and sleep talking to more complex events like night terrors and REM sleep behavior disorder.
While many people experience occasional mild parasomnias, like talking in their sleep, more important and frequent episodes can indicate an underlying sleep disorder. They are surprisingly common, affecting a considerable portion of the population at some point in their lives.
The Brain Games focused specifically on parasomnias. What are some of the most common types, and what makes them so interesting from a neurological perspective?
**Dr. Carter:**
The Brain Games touched upon some key examples like sleepwalking and sleep talking, which are relatively well-known. But there’s also REM sleep behavior disorder, where individuals act out their dreams, and night terrors, which involve intense fear and screaming during sleep.
What’s fascinating neurologically is how these events arise from disruptions in the normal sleep cycle and brain activity. Such as, during REM sleep, our muscles are normally paralyzed, preventing us from acting out our dreams. In REM sleep behavior disorder, this paralysis fails, leading to potentially dangerous behaviors.
What are some potential causes of parasomnias, and when should someone seek professional help?
**Dr.Carter:**
Causes can vary widely,from stress and sleep deprivation to underlying medical conditions like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
Sometimes, parasomnias are triggered by certain medications or substances.In children, they may simply be a phase of development.
If someone is experiencing frequent or disruptive parasomnias, it’s crucial to consult a sleep specialist. They can definitely help determine the underlying cause and reccommend appropriate treatment options.
Are there any effective treatments available for parasomnias?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. Treatment depends on the specific type of parasomnia and its underlying cause. Lifestyle modifications, such as improving sleep hygiene and managing stress, can often be helpful.
In certain specific cases, medication might potentially be prescribed to address underlying sleep disorders or to reduce the frequency and severity of parasomnias.
Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your expertise. This has been a truly illuminating conversation.
**Dr. Carter:** my pleasure.
Readers, if you found this interview fascinating, don’t forget to challenge yourself with NeurologyLive’s weekly Brain Games.You’ll discover a world of knowledge about the brain and nervous system, uncovering the mysteries of sleep and much more.
video-container">
