system
What causes jerking and screaming while suffering from hypnagogic hallucinations?
human
I suffer from hypnagogic hallucinations around once a month which are particularly intense. I violently jerk and I often shout or scream words from the phrases which i hear during these hallucinations. Is this a particular cause for concern of which I should take to a doctor? Or is this typical of hypnagogic hallucinations?
gpt
Hello Hypnogogic hallucinations are the hallucinations seen while individual is going to sleep. The symptoms you are having are sudden jerky movements, shouting and screaming from sleep. Most likely these symptoms are not occurring due to hallucinations. Sudden jerky movements during sleep along with scream can occur in rapid eye movement sleep. Hypnic jerks are commonly observed in sleep which can be associated with night mares and can cause intense scream. Other possible reason is myoclonic jerks. These are sudden jerky movements of muscles seen in sleep due to disturbed electrical activity in brain. As the condition is causing impairment in functioning I would advise you to consult a Neuropsychiatrist or sleep specialist for expert opinion. Sleep studies or EEG are done to know exact localisation of jerks. In some individuals even short term use of low dose benzodiazepines like Alprazolam, Lorazepam help in improving the condition.Thanks, hope this helps you