Turn Text Only Off
Page Utilities
Is Hypersomnia a Symptom of a Brain Injury?
Nathan Zasler, MD, BrainLine
Is there anything to do to help with post-traumatic hypersomnia — sleeping too much?
First, you need to make sure that excessive sleepiness or hypersomnia is, in fact, a result of TBI before deciding on appropriate treatment.
There are many reasons that people can be excessively sleepy and post-traumatic hypersomnia is really a diagnosis of exclusion; that is, one needs to make sure that all other conditions are adequately assessed for and ruled out before assigning a diagnosis of post-traumatic neurogenic hypersomnia. Endocrine problems such as hypothyroidism can also result in fatigue and excessive sleepiness. Medication-related side effects can produce hypersomnia. Non-restorative sleep patterns like obstructive sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome can produce hypersomnia. Depression and anxiety can also be causes.
If the hypersomnia is a direct result of the TBI, then the traditional treatments tend to be pharmacologic and include the use of more naturopathic “medicines” such as caffeine, Guarana, or Gotu cola. When stronger pharmacologic agents are necessary, then stimulant-type medication such as amantadine, armodafinil, atomoxetine, or controlled substances such as psychostimulants are often prescribed.
Click here to go to About Ask the Expert.
Nathan D. Zasler, MD, FAAPM&R, FAADEP, DAAPM, CBIST is an internationally respected physician specialist in brain injury care and rehabilitation. He is CEO and Medical Director of the Concussion Care Centre of Virginia, an outpatient neurorehabilitation practice, as well as, Tree of Life, a living assistance and transitional neurorehabilitation program for persons with brain injury in Glen Allen, Virginia.
The contents of Brainline (the “Web Site”), such as text, graphics, images, information obtained from the Web Site’s licensors and/or consultants, and other material contained on the Web Site (collectively, the “Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for medical, legal, or other professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Specifically, with regards to medical issues, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Web Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The Web Site does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Web Site. Reliance on any information provided by the Web Site or by employees, volunteers or contractors or others associated with the Web Site and/or other visitors to the Web Site is solely at your own risk.
See All TBI Topics
BrainLine Footer
Getting Started |
Site Features |
Follow Us |
About |
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube
RSS Feeds
BrainLine.org is a WETA website funded by the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center through a contract with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation. Government funding support is not an endorsement of WETA or any of its products, including this website.
© 2013 WETA All Rights Reserved
