Brainstem function in rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder: the evaluation of brainstem function by proton MR spectroscopy (1H-MRS)

Abstract

Brainstem function was evaluated by proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in a 69-year-old man with idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder. An analysis of spectral peak area ratios revealed an increase in the choline/creatine ratio. This change suggests that brainstem neurons have functional impairment at the cell membrane level. Further, our results suggest that 1H-MRS may provide for non-invasive, metabolic evaluation of brainstem neuronal function in REM sleep behavior disorder and find application in the differentiation of secondary REM sleep behavior disorders with neurodegenerative disorders from idiopathic disorders.