Sleep disorders in cerebellar ataxias

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2011 Apr;69(2A):253-7. doi: 10.1590/s0004-282x2011000200021.

Abstract

Cerebellar ataxias comprise a wide range of etiologies leading to central nervous system-related motor and non-motor symptoms. Recently, a large body of evidence has demonstrated a high frequency of non-motor manifestations in cerebellar ataxias, specially in autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). Among these non-motor dysfunctions, sleep disorders have been recognized, although still under or even misdiagnosed. In this review, we highlight the main sleep disorders related to cerebellar ataxias focusing on REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), restless legs syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movement in sleep (PLMS), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), insomnia and sleep apnea.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebellar Ataxia / complications*
  • Humans
  • Polysomnography
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / classification
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology*