The Kleine-Levin Syndrome Foundation today announced updated diagnostic criteria for Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) published in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders Third Edition (ICSD-3), the leading resource for diagnosing sleep disorders distributed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The updated information about KLS in the ICSD-3 is based in large part on medical research funded by the KLS Foundation.
The updated diagnostic criteria for KLS will improve clinicians' ability to recognize and accurately diagnose cases of KLS. The revised language will also help shorten the diagnostic journey for patients and caregivers in search of answers. The changes are unlikely to alter existing KLS diagnoses.
The ICSD-3 text is now more inclusive of KLS cases for which symptoms fall outside of the previously understood and narrowly defined parameters while the core defining characteristics of the syndrome remain consistent. The text more clearly specifies the fundamental elements of the KLS definition, which are the core symptoms of KLS observed during episodes including cognitive dysfunction and disinhibited behavior. Updates also reflect that patients experience normal or near normal return to sleep and wakefulness.