Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a condition where there is a sudden, uncontrollable urge to fall asleep. This may occur at any time of the day, but is more overwhelming after meals and in the afternoon. The disorder usually starts in early adulthood, affecting men more than women, and is often inherited.

The urge to sleep can interrupt any daily activity, with the sufferer having to sit, or lie down immediately to fall asleep. Once asleep, they can be woken, whereas someone who has fainted cannot. The sleeping episode may last anything from minutes to hours, and is not brought on alcohol, drugs or overwork. On awakening, the patient usually feels refreshed. Sufferers may also have memory loss and experience vivid hallucinations soon after falling asleep, or just before awakening.

The cause is not known, but there is some dysfunction in the front part of the brain, called the hypothalamus which controls sleep.

There is no cure for narcolepsy, and the patient must be allowed to sleep when the attack occurs. Therefore, driving and operating machinery should be avoided. Stimulants may help some sufferers, but many patients have to organise their day so that they can sleep when neccessary. The disorder itself is harmless, but very inconvenient!

Two thirds of narcoleptics also have `cataplexy', a disorder causing sudden slumping of the head, dropping of the jaw and buckling of the knees, with a resultant fall to the ground. Attacks of cataplexy are often caused by extreme emotion such as anger, excitement or sadness.

Some narcoleptics experience `sleep paralysis.' After awakening, they are unable to move or speak for about a minute. This paralysis can be stopped by someone simply touching the patient.

The diagnosis of narcolepsy is made by studying the brain's electrical activity on an EEG (electro encephalograph).

Treatment involves regular naps, stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and antidepressants which control cataplexy.

Further information can be found at: UKAN http://www.narcolepsy.org.uk
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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