Narcolepsy
Definition:
Narcolepsy, which affects approximately 140,000 Americans, is a neurologic disorder characterized by frequent, involuntary, episodes of sleeping during the day. Sleep attacks may occur while driving, talking or working.
Causes:
The cause of narcolepsy is unknown, but it is thought to have a genetic component.
Risk Factors:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
- Family members with narcolepsy
Symptoms:
Symptoms of narcolepsy usually start during the teenage years. Onset may range from 5 to 50 years old. Symptoms may worsen with aging, but may improve in women after menopause.
Symptoms include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Daytime involuntary sleep attacks
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Sudden loss of muscle tone without loss of consciousness (cataplexy)
- Temporary paralysis while awakening
- Frightening mental images that appear as one falls asleep
- Memory problems
- Symptoms may be triggered by:
- A monotonous environment
- A warm environment
- Eating a large meal
- Strong emotions
Diagnosis:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. If narcolepsy is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist in sleep disorders.
Tests may include:
Sleep Latency Test – measures the onset of rapid eye movement sleep, which occurs earlier than normal in narcolepsy
General Sleep Lab Study – helps rule out other causes of daytime sleepiness. The following things are monitored while you sleep:
- Brain waves
- Eye movements
- Muscle activity
- Respiration
- Heart beat
- Blood oxygen levels
- Total nighttime sleep
- Amount of nighttime REM sleep
- Time of onset of REM sleep
- Degree of daytime sleepiness
Treatment:
Treatment may include:
- Stimulant medications that increase levels of daytime alertness include:
- Methylphenidate
- Pemoline (requires regular blood testing for liver function)
- Dextoamphetamine
- Methamphetamine
- Modafinil
- Antidepressants – to help treat many symptoms of narcolepsy, include:
- Cataplexy
- Hallucinations
- Sleep paralysis
- Other treatment options include:
- Planned short naps throughout the day
- Counseling to cope with issues of self esteem
- Wearing a medical alert bracelet or pendant
Prevention:
There are no guidelines for preventing narcolepsy itself. However, you can try to prevent symptoms.
- Avoid activities that carry a risk of injury from a sudden sleep attack, such as:
- Driving
- Climbing ladders
- Using dangerous machinery
- Exercise on a regular basis.
- Get adequate sleep at night.
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