Characteristics of sleep disturbance in Moyamoya disease.

BACKGROUND

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is characterized by intracranial arterial steno-occlusion. Common presentations include strokes, seizures, and headaches, which have been associated with greater sleep disturbance in the general population. However, sleep quality has not been previously investigated in MMD. The aim of this study was to characterize self-reported sleep quality in patients with MMD.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective analysis of consecutive adult patients with MMD seen at the Moyamoya Clinic at Mayo Clinic. Patients completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Sleep disorder diagnoses were abstracted through chart review.

RESULTS

We investigated 24 patients with a mean age 42.8 ± 11.7 years old and a mean disease duration of 3.0 ± 4.2 years upon diagnosis. Headache (70 %) and stroke (70 %) were common presentations. The mean total PSQI score was 6.7 ± 2.9. Fifteen patients (62.5 %) reported poor sleep quality (PSQI>5), while only five had a documented diagnosis of a sleep disorder. The total PSQI score was higher in patients with headaches (7.9 ± 2.5 vs. 3.9 ± 1.9, p < 0.001). The PSQI component 5 score (sleep disturbance) was higher in patients with stroke (1.4 ± 0.6 vs. 0.9 ± 0.7, p = 0.026), but not the total PSQI score (7.2 ± 2.8 vs. 5.6 ± 3.2, p = 0.232).

DISCUSSION: Poor sleep quality is common among patients with MMD, suggesting undiagnosed sleep disorders. Sleep disturbances were more pronounced in patients with headaches and strokes. Further research should explore the impact of sleep disturbances and their treatment on quality of life in MMD patients.