Kleine-Levin syndrome: a case report and review of literature

Pediatr Neurol. 2014 Apr;50(4):411-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2014.01.003. Epub 2014 Jan 6.

Abstract

Background: Kleine-Levin syndrome presents with recurrent hypersomnia along with a number of other neuropsychiatric features, of which hyperorality has not been described frequently.

Method: We report a male adolescent who presented with recurrent hypersomnia, hypersexuality, and hyperorality. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and overnight polysomnography followed by a multiple sleep latency tests were ordered. Excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Results: Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain did not reveal any abnormality. Overnight video-synchronized polysomnography and multiple sleep latency tests ruled out narcolepsy. Epworth Sleepiness Scale score at baseline was 22. He was prescribed lithium carbonate 300 mg twice a day. The symptoms improved within a week after starting lithium carbonate therapy.

Conclusion: Kleine-Levin syndrome may present with hyperorality, and our patient responded well to lithium carbonate therapy.

Keywords: Kleine-Levin syndrome; adolescent; lithium; recurrent hypersomnia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antimanic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Kleine-Levin Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Kleine-Levin Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Kleine-Levin Syndrome / pathology
  • Kleine-Levin Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Lithium Carbonate / therapeutic use
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male

Substances

  • Antimanic Agents
  • Lithium Carbonate