Fatal Familial Insomnia

WHAT IS IT?

A rare brain disorder that leads to inability to sleep results in death within a few months to a few years.

SYMPTOMS

Early stage:

• Difficulty to fall asleep

• Muscle twitch/jerk

• Loss of appetite

• Panic attacks

Later stage:

• Increase in heart rate

• Loss of coordination

• Increase in blood pressure

• Weight loss

• Speech problem

CAUSE

Mutation of PRNP gene which causes attack on thalamus to control your sleep cycles

usually passed on genetically.

TREATMENT

• Seek help from neurologist, medical geneticist

• No known cure

• Temporary reliefs include sleep medications

DIAGNOSIS

This disorder can be confirmed by genetic testing, sleep study and PET scan.