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Neurophysiologic Studies in Nightmare Sufferers

1992; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 23; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1177/155005949202300410

0009-9155

Sharon A. Newell, Hosi Padamadan, Miles E. Drake,

Epilepsy research and treatment

Nightmares have long attracted neurologic and psychiatric attention, yet little is known of their pathophysiology. We recorded 17-channel electroencephalograms (EEGs), brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), long-latency auditory event-related potentials (AEPs), and overnight cassette sleep EEGs (AEEGs) in 10 individuals with recurrent nightmares. They were all nocturnal sleepers, took no medications, do not abuse alcohol or drugs, and had no known medical or psychiatric illnesses. Five patients were being evaluated for other complaints, 3 reported disturbed nocturnal sleep and daytime sleepiness, and 2 sought attention chiefly for nightmares. All 10 patients had normal EEGs and BAEPs. BAEP latencies did not differ significantly from control subjects. Latencies and amplitudes of AEPs were not significantly different in nightmare sufferers and controls, but the former had higher amplitude N100, P160, and N200. Those patients with sleep complaints had on overnight AEEG, less sleep, decreased slow-wave sleep, and more awakenings than those without sleep complaints, but nightmares did not occur during the AEEG recordings.