12-14-2008, 01:32 PM
3. A 7-year-old girl is brought to the office by her mother because the girl has been awakening regularly at night in considerable distress about 1 hour after falling asleep. The mother describes her as being extremely fearful and inconsolable during these episodes. Her mother says, "She cries out something about a figure in a dark cape who is chasing after her and wants to turn her into stone. A few minutes later, she is able to go back to sleep and remembers little of what has happened the next morning." She has been in excellent health and has achieved appropriate developmental milestones. She is doing well in school and has a number of friends and playmates. She is 121 cm (4 ft) tall and weighs 22 kg (48 lb). Vital signs are: temperature 37.0°C (98.6°F), pulse 60/min, respirations 18/min and blood pressure 100/70 mm Hg. Physical examination shows a normally developed and well-nourished girl. Physical and neurologic examinations are normal. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Cataplexy
B) Central sleep apnea
C) Major depressive disorder
D) Nightmares
E) Night terrors
A) Cataplexy
B) Central sleep apnea
C) Major depressive disorder
D) Nightmares
E) Night terrors