A number of clinical findings may be encountered in a person with REM sleep behavior.
Clinical findings:
(1) The onset is after the age of 50.
(2) A family history is rare.
(3) It tends to occur during the second half of the night.
(4) It tends to occur during REM sleep.
(5) There is a risk for injury or violence.
(6) There is a low arousal threshold.
(7) The person shows poor interaction with environment.
(8) Spontaneous, full awakening after an episode is frequent.
(9) The person can get out of bed but usually does not leave the bedroom.
(10) The person's eyes are usually closed during an episode.
(11) The person is fully awake and functional when wakened.
(12) The person has recall of vivid dreams.
(13) There is no autonomic activation.
(14) The person flails limbs or makes other gross motor movements, often related to dream content.
Risk factors:
(1) alcohol withdrawal
(2) antidepressant therapy (SSRI, tricyclics)
