Sleeping Sickness
Reviewed by the medical team of El Doctor Editorial policy
Sleeping sickness is a parasitic infection, transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly, that affects the nervous system and disrupts the cycle of wakefulness and rest. It is characteristic of certain regions of Africa and is seen mainly in people with a history of travel to those areas.
When to seek care? An evaluation is advisable if, after travel to areas where this disease exists, fever, headaches, sleep disturbances, or behavioral changes appear.
What it is and what characterizes it? It progresses in stages: at first general symptoms predominate and, later on, sleep and nervous system disturbances.
Which specialist treats it? The internist and the neurologist take part in its workup, and the general practitioner guides the first visit and the travel history. If you have these symptoms after a trip, seek professional guidance.
Data on 390 doctors who treat sleeping sickness
Which specialist treats sleeping sickness?
Sleep disorders should be evaluated by a pulmonologist, a specialist who identifies sleep-related breathing conditions. A neurologist gets involved when there is neurological involvement, and a psychiatrist assists in cases associated with mood or behavioral changes. You can book an appointment with a general practitioner for the initial assessment.
Treatment by city
Doctors specialized in sleeping sickness
Dr. Guillermo Mezquita Macias
Dr. Rafael Tejeda Castro
Dr. Tania Zertuche Maldonado
Dr. Arturo Orozco Gutierrez
Dr. Yonatan Ivan Rivera Aragon
Dr. Jose Angel Ramirez Rodriguez
Dr. Jose Angel Ramirez Rodriguez
Dr. Jennifer Pérez Mejia
Dr. Miguel López Vázquez
Dr. Juan Carlos Bueno García
Dr. Daniela Julian Peral
Dr. José Joel Parada Jiménez
Dr. Saul Favela Aldaco
Dr. René Castrejon Morales
Dr. Raul Pedraza Grijalva
Dr. Manuel Carrasco Saldivar
Dr. Carlos Alfredo Albarran de Regil
Dr. Fernando Rafael Salinas Gonzalez
Dr. Pedro Gutierrez Lizardi
Dr. Germán Estanislao Velarde Magaña
Frequently asked questions
What is sleeping sickness?
Sleeping sickness is a parasitic infection, transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly, that affects the nervous system and disrupts the cycle of wakefulness and rest. It is characteristic of certain regions of Africa and is seen mainly in people with a history of travel to those areas.
Which doctor treats sleeping sickness?
Sleep disorders should be evaluated by a pulmonologist, a specialist who identifies sleep-related breathing conditions. A neurologist gets involved when there is neurological involvement, and a psychiatrist assists in cases associated with mood or behavioral changes. You can book an appointment with a general practitioner for the initial assessment.