Epileptic nocturnal wanderings

Abstract

Video-polysomnographic monitoring in four patients complaining of stereotyped paroxysmal ambulation and other complex motor activities during sleep demonstrated ictal epileptic discharges at the onset of the sleepwalking episodes. In addition, all patients displayed minor motor episodes resembling short-lasting nocturnal paroxysmal dystonia (NPD) attacks and paroxysmal arousals (PAs). NPD with short-lasting attacks, PAs and episodic nocturnal wanderings represent the same epileptic syndrome with variable presentations.