The laboratory assessment of daytime sleepiness in childhood

J Clin Neurophysiol. 1996 May;13(3):208-18. doi: 10.1097/00004691-199605000-00004.

Abstract

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a disabling symptom of diverse etiologies. This article reviews the various, currently available diagnostic techniques that can be applied in the evaluation of childhood hypersomnolence, along with their merits and limitations. Normal polysomnographic data of children differ from those of adults. Serial studies may be required in evolving childhood narcolepsy for establishing a definitive diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / diagnosis
  • Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Narcolepsy / diagnosis
  • Narcolepsy / physiopathology
  • Polysomnography*
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / etiology*
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / physiopathology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / diagnosis
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / physiopathology
  • Wakefulness / physiology*