Parasomnias in children

Paediatric patients with confusional arousal need treatment and close follow-up. Other household members need to be educated about the need to avoid intervention during the parasomnia and to maintain a safe environment for the patient.

Any measures to prevent the parasomnias by force, such as restraining or forcefully awakening the patient, may result in further agitation and increased potential for injury.

Parasomnias disrupt sleep for the patient, as well as the sleep of the other household members.

In children prescribed benzodiazepines, daytime drowsiness is a recognised adverse event that may necessitate discontinuation of the therapy. Abrupt discontinuation of clonazepam, however, may precipitate withdrawal symptoms.