Hi my name is Anna Maria and I have a mother who is 81 years old. A little over a year ago she fell (at home) and hit the back of her head and was bleeding a lot because she takes blood thinners. She required 6 stitches. This was in October of 2009. My mother also suffers from severe osteo arthritis. BUT ever since that fall, her health has gotten worse. For the last 6 months or more she has been experiencing terrible night sweats, to the point where she has to keep changing the top of her pyjamas because they are soaked; at least that is what she tells me. As a result she does not sleep much either. Could she has something called Fatal Familial Insomnia? How do I get her tested? Sincerely, Anna Maria
HelloThanks for asking is 81 years old and have symptoms of terrible night sweats. She has history of fall few years back and also osteoarthritis. The symptoms aggravated after fall. Familial Fatal Insomnia is a prion disorder. It runs in families, and it presents with a number of symptoms and detailed pathological workup is needed to make proper diagnosis. As per my opinion she is not having this disorder. This disorder is very, very rare in populations. Most likely the cause of her symptoms is severe anxiety. Anxiety is causing symptoms like night sweats. Consult a Psychiatrist for help. Sometimes low dose anti-depressants like Sertraline helps in such situation. The Chat Doctor.  Consult a psychiatrist for treatment. Thanks