Is It Psychogenic Non‐Epileptic Event, Sleep Related Rhythmical Movement Disorder or Hypermotor Seizure?
Abstract
Distinguishing non-epileptic events from epileptic seizures remains a clinical challenge, particularly when occurring exclusively during sleep. Sleep-related rhythmical movement disorder (SRRMD) is a benign condition typically seen in early childhood, characterised by stereotyped, rhythmical repetitive movements involving large muscle groups, predominantly during Stage II of non-REM sleep. These movements can closely mimic features of sleep parasomnias, hypermotor seizures or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), complicating the diagnostic approach. We present a case of an adolescent female with comorbid SRRMD and PNES and a clinical approach to distinguish between them.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Sleep and related disorders
Epilepsy research and treatment
Restless Legs Syndrome Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Sleep Research
- Volume
- 35
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- e70302–e70302
- Publication date
- 9 February 2026
- Language
- EN