Motor overactivity and loss of motor circadian rhythm in fatal familial insomnia: an actigraphic study.
The 24-hour rest-activity pattern and the amount of motor activity was studied in a patient with fatal familial insomnia (FFI) by means of wrist actigraphy. During the study, the patient underwent indirect calorimetry. The 52-day recording showed severe disruption of the 24-hour rest-activity pattern with increased motor activity up to 80%. The 24-hour energy expenditure, assayed in a respiration chamber, was strikingly elevated by 60%. Chronic motor overactivity and loss of circadian rest-activity rhythm may play a role in the progressive metabolic exhaustion leading to death in FFI patients.
Plazzi
G
G
Institute of Neurology, University of Bologna, Italy.
Schutz
Y
Y
Cortelli
P
P
Provini
F
F
Avoni
P
P
Heikkila
E
E
Tinuper
P
P
Solieri
L
L
Lugaresi
E
E
Montagna
P
P
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D002149:Energy Intake; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D006948:Hyperkinesis / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*