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Kleine-Levin Syndrome
Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Kleine-Levin Syndromeis not the name you expected.
Synonyms
- Kleine-Levin Hibernation Syndrome
- Familial Hibernation Syndrome
- Periodic Somnolence and Morbid Hunger
Disorder Subdivisions
- None
General Discussion
Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by the need for excessive amounts of sleep (hypersomnolence), (i.e., up to 20 hours a day); excessive food intake (compulsive hyperphagia); and behavioral changes such as an abnormally uninhibited sexual drive. The disorder primarily affects adolescent males. When awake, affected individuals may exhibit irritability, lack of energy (lethargy), and/or lack of emotions (apathy). They may also appear confused (disoriented) and experience hallucinations. Symptoms of Kleine-Levin syndrome are cyclical. An affected individual may go for weeks or months without experiencing symptoms. When present, symptoms may persist for days to weeks. In some cases, the symptoms associated with Kleine-Levin syndrome eventually disappear with advancing age. However, episodes may recur later during life.
The exact cause of Kleine-Levin syndrome is not known. However, researchers believe that in some cases, hereditary factors may cause some individuals to have a genetic predisposition to developing the disorder. It is thought that symptoms of Kleine-Levin syndrome may be related to malfunction of the portion of the brain that helps to regulate functions such as sleep, appetite, and body temperature (hypothalamus). Some researchers speculate that Kleine-Levin syndrome may be an autoimmune disorder.
Resources
National Sleep Foundation
1522 K Street
Suite 500
Washington
D.C.
20005
Tel: (202)347-3471
Fax: (202)347-3472
nsf@sleepfoundation.org
http://www.sleepfoundation.org
American Sleep Disorders Association
1610 14th Street NW
Suite 300
Rochester
MN
55901
Tel: (507)287-6006
Fax: (507)287-6008
asda@millcomm.comNational Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
1211 Chestnut Street
Suite 1207
Philadelphia
PA
19107-6312
USA
Tel: (215)751-1810
Fax: (215)636-6312
800: (800)553-4539
info@mhselfhelp.org
http://www.mhselfhelp.org
National Mental Health Association
2001 North Beauregard Street
12th Floor
Alexandria
VA
22311
USA
Tel: (703)684-7722
Fax: (703)684-5968
800: (800)969-6642
TDD: (800)433-5959
infoctr@nmha.org
http://www.nmha.org
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Blvd
Rm 8184, MSC 9663
Rockville
MD
20892-9663
Tel: (301)443-4513
nimhinfo@nih.gov
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
8A07
Bethesda
MD
20892-2540
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
800: (800)352-9424
braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay
WI
54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
800: (877)336-5333
mums@netnet.net
http://www.netnet.net/mums/
Kleine-Levin Syndrome Foundation
PO Box 5382
San Jose
CA
95150-5382
Tel: (408)265-1099
Fax: (408)269-2131
facts@klsfoundation.org
http://www.klsfoundation.org
For a Complete Report:
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 4/6/2007
Copyright 1996, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders
