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Sleep Disorders: Determining the Cause of Sleepwalking

Usually, the cause of sleepwalking can be determined based on symptoms alone. Exams and tests are not often necessary to establish a sleepwalking cause. However, a medical evaluation, including blood tests, may be completed to rule out medical causes of sleepwalking.

Additionally, your doctor may recommend you undergo psychological evaluation to determine whether excessive stress or anxiety is causing you to sleepwalk.

Sleep study tests may be recommended if the diagnosis is still unclear.

WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth

Reviewed by Leonard J. Sonne, MD on January 01, 2007
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TOPAMAX is approved for migraine prevention in adults only.
TOPAMAX is not used to stop a migraine after it starts.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Serious risks associated with TOPAMAX include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis). Symptoms could include hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing), tiredness, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Call your doctor immediately if you get these symptoms. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease.

Other serious risks include decreased sweating, increased body temperature, kidney stones, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and increased eye pressure (glaucoma). Call your doctor immediately if you have any decrease in vision or eye pain. These problems can lead to blindness if not treated right away.

More common side effects are tingling in arms and legs, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, taste change and weight loss.

Tell your doctor about other medications you take. Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information.

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