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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.





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