Narcolepsy is a disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and periods of muscle weakness called cataplexy.
NARCOLEPSY SYMPTOMS
- Excessive daytime sleepiness. In fact, the narcoleptic may find it impossible to stay awake and suffer from: Sleep attacks. Short, uncontrollable episodes of sleep during the day.
- Abnormal REM sleep. Rapid eye movement (REM) is often disrupted, causing:Hypnagogic hallucinations. Dream like sequences experienced while awake, often involving visual or auditory hallucinations.
- Cataplexy. Spells of extreme muscle weakness experienced usually during strong emotion - laughter, anger, grief.
- Sleep paralysis. Inability to move when falling asleep or awakening.
- Disturbed nighttime sleep. Tossing and turning. Nightmares. Restless sleep.
CAUSES
- Genetic abnormalities. Recent research suggests a faulty gene may be the cause.
- Family history. Narcolepsy is often inherited from parents.
- Brain Chemical Abnormalities. Again, these abnormalities tend to be inherited traits.
EFFECTS
- Lack of muscle control
- Serious problems in professional life
- Serious problems in personal life
- Low sex drive or impotence
- Emotional difficulties. Strong emotions cause attacks of cataplexy.
- Accidents and injury from falling asleep while driving or doing other dangerous tasks.
METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS
Sleep Studies including
- Polysomnography - This test records electrical activity of the brain, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, airflow, and blood oxygen levels.
- The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) - This test measure the speed it takes for a person to fall asleep.
TREATMENT
- Schedule. Keeping to a regular schedule as much as possible.
- Naps. Short daytime naps are sometimes refreshing.
- Drug therapy. Stimulants such as Ritalin®, modafinil, dextroamphetamine, and pemoline.
- Drug Therapy. Treatment of cataplexy, paralysis and hallucinations with antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
For More on Narcolepsy, check out my Narcolepsy Articles and Links.
