Diagnosis at Mayo Clinic

By Mayo Clinic Staff



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Mayo Clinic doctors trained in sleep disorders, nervous system conditions (neurologists), mental health conditions (psychiatrists) and other specialties work together to evaluate your condition.

Doctors at Mayo Clinic have experience accurately diagnosing REM sleep behavior disorder and ruling out other conditions. REM sleep behavior disorder may have symptoms similar to other sleep disorders, or it may coexist with other sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder or narcolepsy.

To diagnose your condition, your doctor will review your medical history and your symptoms. Your evaluation may include other tests.

  • Physical examination and neurological examination. Your doctor will conduct a physical and neurological examination. Your doctor will evaluate you for REM sleep behavior disorder and other sleep disorders.
  • Sleep study (polysomnogram). Doctors often evaluate your condition during an overnight sleep study in a Mayo Clinic sleep disorders center. A sleep study (polysomnogram) is a painless test in which sensors are applied to your skin's surface to record brain wave activity, eye movements, breathing function, oxygen levels, heart rate and muscle activity during your sleep. You also will be videotaped to document your behavior during REM sleep cycles.
Nov. 20, 2012