ABSTRACT
The parasomnias are a heterogeneous group of disorders in which unusual behaviors or states of consciousness with characteristics of both sleep and wakefulness occur in association with sleep. Polysomnographie studies are increasingly able to capture samples of disordered sleep, are often the only route to a definitive diagnosis, and, because of the overlapping presentations of parasomnias, are recommended even when the clinical presentation strongly suggests a particular diagnosis. In this chapter, the authors review those parasomnias that may resemble a seizure disorder, with special attention to treatment. Classical childhood somnambulism is characterized by sleepwalking episodes, which usually occur in deep non-REM sleep. Typically, sleepwalking in children is a self-limited, developmental phenomenon without attendant somatic illness or psychopathology. A family history of sleepwalking or night terrors is usual, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Night terrors are believed to represent the far end of a continuum which includes sleeptalking and somnambulism.
