Hypersomnia: Hypersomnia is a condition characterized by episodes of prolonged nighttime sleep or excessive daytime sleepiness. Symptoms include anxiety, increased irritation, decreased energy, slow thinking, slow speech, loss of appetite, and more. Causes of hypersomnia include other sleep disorders, physical problems such as tumor or head trauma, medications, medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, depression, epilepsy, obesity, and encephalitis, and genetic predisposition. Treatment for hypersomnia is generally with medication and changes in behavior.
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Alcoholism
Alcohol problems vary in severity from mild to life-threatening and affect the individual, the person's family, and society in numerous adverse ways. Signs of a drinking problem include insomnia, loss of employment, blackouts, depression, auto accidents, bruises, frequent falls, and anxiety. Treatment involves stabilization, detoxification, and rehabilitation of the alcohol-dependent person. -
Understanding Antidepressant Medications
There are many types of depression such as clinical depression, major depression, seasonal affective depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. There are a variety of depression medications, and their effectiveness may vary from patient to patient. Examples of the types of depression medications include atypical antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Side effects, drug interactions, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking any medication. -
Drug Dependence & Abuse
Drug dependence is the physical need for a certain substance. Drug abuse and dependence comprise a huge public health problem with no easy treatment available. -
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is an acute infection and inflammation of the brain itself. This is in contrast to meningitis, which is an inflammation of the layers covering the brain. Encephalitis symptoms and signs include headache, fever, fatigue, seizures, and photophobia. Treatment depends upon the cause of the encephalitis. -
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition in which the brain repeatedly discharges its nerve cells in a disordered way resulting in seizure, which is characterized by a temporary failure of motor, sensory and mental function. Epilepsy can be a disease in itself or result as a symptom of some other disorder like cancer or drug withdrawal. Treatment includes anticonvulsant medications. -
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be thought of as an inflammatory process involving different areas of the central nervous system (CNS) at various points in time. Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis include visual changes, difficulty maintaining balance, vertigo, painful muscle spasms, constipation, and urinary retention. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but there is a treatment for MS and its symptoms that include medications and therapy. -
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) FAQs
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic nerve disease in which the body's own immune system attacks the myelin sheath insulating the nerve fibers and the nerves themselves, interrupting the electro-chemical current between the brain and body parts. This causes symptoms like incontinence, fatigue, incoordination, mood swings, numbness, and a host of other debilitating problems. Multiple sclerosis can be treated, but there is no cure for the disease. -
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes the sufferer to fall asleep or experience extreme exhaustion during the day or at inappropriate times. The treatment involves a variety of different classes of medication, depending on the patient. -
Obesity
More than two-thirds of Americans are overweight, including at least one in five children. Nearly one-third are obese. Obesity is on the rise in our society because food is abundant and physical activity is optional. The safest way to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more. Treatment may also include medications, surgery, and behavior modification. -
Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (the most common type) and central sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be caused by many factors such as strokes, heart failure, medications, or physical structures in the throat and mouth. Treatment range from medical devices to surgery.
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Narcolepsy Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes the sufferer to fall asleep or experience extreme exhaustion during the day or at inappropriate times. The treatment involves a variety of different classes of medication, depending on the patient.
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Hypersomnia Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Clonidine (oral)Clonidine lowers blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. This allows your blood vessels to relax and your heart to beat m...learn more »
Hypersomnia Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Anxiety
Anxiety as a medical condition is characterized by worry, fear, nervousness, shortness of breath, sleep problems and other symptoms. Diarrhea, tremors, and rapi...learn more »
Sleep: Understanding the Basics
Sleep is defined as a state of unconsciousness from which a person can be aroused. In this state, the brain is relatively more responsive to internal stimuli th...learn more »