Methylfenidaat als behandeling voor hypersomnolentie als gevolg van een thalamusinfarct

Methylphenidate as a treatment for hypersomnolence due to a thalamic infarction Fatigue after a stroke can persist for a long time and has consequences for the patient’s rehabilitation. Fatigue is also associated with a higher mortality and a reduced quality of life. Hypersomnia (or hypersomnolence) is much less common after a stroke, but can seriously hinder a person’s recovery and treatment. In this article, 2 cases of severely disabling hypersomnolence after an ischemic stroke in the thalamus are presented and the typical features and treatment options are discussed. The clinical course of thalamic lesions, as well as the contribution of the electroencephalogram and medical imaging are reported. The stimulating effect of methylphenidate on the central nervous system explains the beneficial influence on the hypersomnolence in the 2 cases described here. Treatment of hypersomnia improves a patient’s recovery and quality of life after a stroke.