Bailey A Weidner, Nancy A Bergquist and Tony L Brown
Confusion exists among medical professionals in differentiating a night terror episode (NTE) from a nightmare and other sleep disorders in adults. NTEs that persist into adulthood are considered rare in the literature. Devastating injuries occur during NTEs reveal the need for further examination of the physical, mental, and emotional impacts on the patient in order to create lasting curative treatment options. Often, adults who are experiencing NTE do not seek medical help until they hurt themselves, someone else, or until they can no longer cope with the overall effects of disrupted sleep. Much of the literature regarding NTEs is focused on children who, while having a higher prevalence of NTEs, ultimately outgrow the problem without medical intervention. A female with over 40 years of NTE history is studied and the resulting impact on her life is explored. Precipitating factors such as stress and aberrant noise are identified. Various forms of treatment using medications and relaxation techniques are assessed. Misdiagnosis and misunderstanding by medical personnel is also noted in her case. A concise understanding of NTEs throughout all medical specialties is necessary in order to differentiate between the various forms of parasomnias and sleep disorders and to offer appropriate treatment options. Primary care physicians sleep disorder specialists, pain management specialists, orthopaedic and neurology specialists, and psychiatrists could easily encounter such a patient. The importance of recognizing and immediately treating NTEs in adults is vital to the safety and psychology of the possible patients and others affected.