Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Mild Head Injury Induced Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder

Abstract

Xiao Y and Siu R

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterised by REM sleep without atonia, causing dream-enacting behaviours (DEBs) or vocalisation. The aetiology of RBD is largely unknown, likely a result from breakdown of the circuits underlying REM sleep atonia. It is also strongly associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies suggested that head injury could be a risk factor for RBD. We present a case of new-onset RBD, triggered by mild head injury in a patient with well-managed severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Our case provides a rare opportunity to examine the link between head injury and RBD.