Dr. M.J. Bazos,
Patient
Handout
NARCOLEPSY
(SLEEP
DISORDER,
NARCOLEPSY-CATAPLEXY
SYNDROME)
About Your
DiagnosisNarcolepsy is a sleep
disorder caused by a generalized disorganization of the sleep-waking functions
within the brain. It often causes excessive daytime sleepiness, regardless of
the amount of sleep that you have had. The exact cause remains undetermined but
rarely may follow brain trauma or accompany other types of neurologic disease.
Tissue typing has shown that some individuals are more genetically susceptible
to this disorder.Living With Your
DiagnosisGenerally, the symptoms of
narcolepsy are first noticed in teenagers and young adults but may go
undiagnosed for years. Another common symptom of this disorder is cataplexy, a
partial or complete weakness of the skeletal muscles brought on by intense
emotions such as laughter, excitement, or anger. Other symptoms may include (1)
sleep attacks—short unintentional periods of sleep during the day; or (2)
sleep paralysis—the inability to move as one drifts into or out of sleep.
Also, some patients have hypnagogic hallucinations or visual or auditory
experiences that occur when going to sleep or waking, which are hard to
differentiate from reality. Others have disturbed nighttime sleep including
frequent tossing and turning and
awakening.TreatmentThere
is no known cure for narcolepsy. No single therapy will control all the
symptoms. Some medical stimulants combined with strategically placed 15- to
20-minute naps may improve the otherwise disabling effects of this sleep
disorder. The timing and frequency of the scheduled naps has to be determined
for each individual according to the usual time of the sleep attacks.
The
DOs• Take your medications as
prescribed.• Get plenty of
rest.• Educate your friends and
family about your disorder.The
DON’Ts• Avoid operating
machinery and power tools unless cleared by your
physician.• Do not drive unless
approved by your physician.• Avoid
situations that may pose danger for you should you fall asleep or lose muscle
control.When to Call Your
Doctor• If you have any problems
associated with your medications.•
If your symptoms increase in frequency or
severity.Websites:http://www.uic.edu/depts/cnr/facts.htmlhttp://www.wisc.edu/asdshttp://www.sleepfoundation.org