Background: The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) plays a critical role in maintaining melatonin and sleep-wake cycles.
Methods/patient: We report a case of 38-year-old woman who, after gunshot wound to the right temple, developed a sleep complaint of multiple nocturnal awakenings and several naps throughout the day.
Results: Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral optic nerve and optic chiasm damage. Diagnostic polysomnography and actigraphy revealed an irregular sleep wake rhythm.
Conclusions: We speculate concurrent damage of the SCN and optic nerves bilaterally resulted in the posttraumatic irregular sleep-wake rhythm.
Keywords: Circadian rhythm sleep disorder; irregular sleep wake rhythm; suprachiasmatic nucleus.