New York patients who have trouble sleeping may be interested to learn about a sleep disorder known as exploding head syndrome. People who have this condition often experience a loud bang or even a gunshot noise when they try to go to sleep, even though these noises actually never occur. For many, the syndrome is overlooked by doctors.

A review of existing research showed that there are few diagnostic measures and treatment plans. In fact, there is very little scientific evidence regarding what causes exploding head syndrome. It is thought that the condition occurs when the body does not shut down for sleep properly. For example, instead of following a specific sequence to shut down, the body activates certain groups of neurons that produce bursts of noise. It appears that those who normally have disrupted sleep schedules are more likely to experience these noises.

The condition is also thought to be related to extreme fatigue and stress. It appears to be more common in women as well as individuals over the age of 50. However, there are cases that have been reported in children who are as young as 10 years old. Even though there is not much known about the syndrome, it can have an extreme effect on people’s lives. For example, the individuals may suffer from daytime sleepiness, sleep disruption and the fear that they may be going crazy.

When a person is suffering from a condition that makes it difficult for him or her to function normally, getting appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment in a timely manner is important. If a doctor fails to diagnose an illness or life-impacting condition, the patient may have a viable medical malpractice case. A medical malpractice attorney may investigate the injuries or harm that occurred due to the lack of an accurate diagnosis.