Frontiers in Neurology (Feb 2024)

Post-COVID central hypersomnia, a treatable trait in long COVID: 4 case reports

  • Clémence Morelli-Zaher,
  • Andrea Vremaroiu-Coman,
  • Nicolas Coquoz,
  • Léon Genecand,
  • Marco Altarelli,
  • Alzbeta Binkova,
  • Isabelle Frésard,
  • Pierre-Olivier Bridevaux,
  • Pierre-Olivier Bridevaux,
  • Pierre-Olivier Bridevaux,
  • Grégoire Gex,
  • Grégoire Gex,
  • Grégoire Gex

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1349486
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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IntroductionFatigue is the most commonly reported post-COVID symptom. A minority of patients also report excessive daytime sleepiness, which could be a target for treatment.MethodsAmong 530 patients with a post-COVID condition, those with excessive daytime sleepiness were systematically assessed for objective central hypersomnia, with exclusion of all cases not clearly attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection.ResultsFour cases of post-COVID central hypersomnia were identified, three fulfilling the criteria of the 3rd International Classification of Sleep Disorders for idiopathic hypersomnia, and one for type II narcolepsy. We report here their clinical history, sleep examination data and treatment, with a favorable response to methylphenidate in three cases and spontaneous resolution in one case.ConclusionWe highlight the importance of identifying cases of post-COVID central hypersomnia, as it may be a treatable trait of a post-COVID condition.

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