Is It Psychogenic Non‐Epileptic Event, Sleep Related Rhythmical Movement Disorder or Hypermotor Seizure?

Distinguishing non-epileptic events from epileptic seizures remains a clinical challenge, particularly when occurring exclusively during sleep. Sleep-related rhythmical movement disorder (SRRMD) is a benign condition typically seen in early childhood, characterised by stereotyped, rhythmical repetitive movements involving large muscle groups, predominantly during Stage II of non-REM sleep. These movements can closely mimic features of sleep parasomnias, hypermotor seizures or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), complicating the diagnostic approach. We present a case of an adolescent female with comorbid SRRMD and PNES and a clinical approach to distinguish between them.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Sleep Research
Published
2026-02-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.70302
Primary Topic
Restless Legs Syndrome Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Is It Psychogenic Non‐Epileptic Event, Sleep Related Rhythmical Movement Disorder or Hypermotor Seizure?

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Journal of Sleep Research
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Is It Psychogenic Non‐Epileptic Event, Sleep Related Rhythmical Movement Disorder or Hypermotor Seizure?

Jennifer J. Waldron, Akshaya Rathin Sivaji, Said A. Ibrahim, Emily Langan, Sanah Virdah Parvez
article en

Abstract

Distinguishing non-epileptic events from epileptic seizures remains a clinical challenge, particularly when occurring exclusively during sleep. Sleep-related rhythmical movement disorder (SRRMD) is a benign condition typically seen in early childhood, characterised by stereotyped, rhythmical repetitive movements involving large muscle groups, predominantly during Stage II of non-REM sleep. These movements can closely mimic features of sleep parasomnias, hypermotor seizures or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), complicating the diagnostic approach. We present a case of an adolescent female with comorbid SRRMD and PNES and a clinical approach to distinguish between them.

Journal of Sleep Research
Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital (US), University School (US), Case Western Reserve University (US)
Gender equality
Openalex Percentile: Top 60%
Restless Legs Syndrome Research
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