Investigations
Diagnosis of RBD is based on sleep history, testimony of sleep partners, and one or several overnight video recordings of REM sleep activity.
Polysomnography helps to diagnose REM sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) and to rule out other sleep disorders. Imaging studies are indicated if a degenerative neurological condition is Suspected.
Polysomnography
Polysomnographic video is the most reliable diagnostic tool for RBD and is conducted in an exclusive sleep study center. As the patient is asleep, this device records the respiratory movements, muscle movement, electrical activity of the brain and heart, and movements of the eye against predefined parameters.
These parameters are recorded as the patient traverses through the different stages of sleep. A complete video recording of sleep behaviors is also conducted.
In victims with RBD, the Polysomnogram records an increase in the muscle tone connected with the EEG pattern of REM sleep This is contrasted in healthy people where the REM sleep EEG pattern portrays clear absence of muscle tone.
Imaging studies such as CT scan and MRI of the brain are indicated
- If an abnormality is detected during neurological examination.
- In patients younger than 40 of age where there is no known precipitant cause such as alcohol or medication.
- To rule out degenerative neurological disorders.
