RBD
Medical abbreviation · Neurology
| Stands for | REM sleep behavior disorder |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
RBD stands for REM sleep behavior disorder, a neurology abbreviation.
Sleep disorder in which the normal muscle paralysis of REM sleep is lost, so people physically act out vivid, often violent dreams by shouting, punching or kicking, sometimes injuring themselves or bed partners. Diagnosis requires a sleep study showing REM sleep without atonia.
Example: Wife reports he punches and shouts during dreams; polysomnography confirms RBD.
Usage notes
Idiopathic RBD is one of the strongest known predictors of Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy, with most patients developing one of these synucleinopathies over 10 to 15 years. Making the bedroom safe is essential, and melatonin or clonazepam reduce episodes. Some antidepressants can trigger RBD-like symptoms.
Related abbreviations
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- SDH – Subdural hematoma
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.