A.

Parsons
Narcolepsy comes from a Greek word
meaning "seized by somnolence"
 Overview
Learn about:
• What Narcolepsy is.
• It’s symptoms.
• What types of attacks people with
Narcolepsy have.
• Closely related disorders
• If there is a cure for Narcolepsy or not.
• Treatments for a person with Narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy is a
disabling
neurological
disorder of sleep
that affects the
patterns of
wakefulness and
sleep.
 Symptoms

Symptoms usually start between the ages of 15

and 30. Common symptoms of Narcolepsy are
excessive daytime sleepiness; cataplexy (sudden,
short episodes of Paralysis brought on by strong
emotions such as surprise, anticipation, laughter or
anger); sleep paralysis (occurs when falling asleep
or waking up); and vivid images that are dream-like
which occur at sleep onset. Afflicted night time
sleep, which includes frequent awakenings, tossing
and turning, leg jerks, and nightmares may also
occur.
Narcolepsy Attacks

People with Narcolepsy experience

uncontrollable sleep attacks throughout
the day. These attacks can last anywhere
from 30 seconds to 30 minutes,
regardless of the amount or quality of
sleep the night before. These attacks can
happen at such inappropriate places and
circumstances as; work, social events,
while eating, talking or driving.
Closely related disorders that have been
described for at least two centuries and
have been variously named neurasthenia,
myalgic encephalomyelitis, Akureyri
disease, post-viral fatigue, and chronic
mononucleosis.
The Cause

In recent studies
researchers have
found that narcolepsy
with cataplexy is
usually caused by the
lack of two related
brain chemicals called
"hypocretin-1" and
"hypocretin-2".
Although Narcolepsy is not a
rare disorder, is is often
misdiagnosed or untreated for
a
long time. An early
diagnosis is the
key to the
mental and
physical
well-being of
the affected person.
 Conclusion
Is there a Cure for Narcolepsy?

The answer is simply no. While scientists may have found

the cause of narcolepsy, the possibility of a cure is years
away due to the complexity of the Neurological problem
that narcolepsy is.
Conclusion
- continued
What Are the Treatments for Narcolepsy?
Since there is no cure for narcolepsy, it is
treated systematically. Therapies for narcolepsy
include the practice of getting a sufficient
amount of nocturnal sleep, proper sleep hygiene
practice, and drug therapy. Proper sleep hygiene,
which includes a consistent sleep schedule and
the avoidance of shift work
and alcohol, is vitally important.
Conclusion
- continued

What Are the Treatments for Narcolepsy?

continued-

Stimulants are the drug therapy for sleep

attacks and excessive daytime sleepiness
in narcolepsy patients. These stimulants
include methylphenidate (Ritalin®),
modafinil, dextroamphetamine, and
pemoline. Dosages of these medications
are usually taken in the morning and at
noon.