Description An uncommon sleep d...
Description
An uncommon sleep disorder characterized by episodes of falling asleep at any time and with little warning. These can occur during a conversation or while performing a task such as driving. Typically the episodes are preceded by a period of drowsiness, but the sleep cannot be prevented. Patients experience a disruption of the normal patterns of Rapid Eye Movement (REM),Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep and wakefulness. The disorder is most likely related to a deficiency of brain hypocretin (orexin). Narcolepsy is usually an inherited condition.
Symptoms
Persistent drowsiness (hypersomnia -- excessive daytime sleepiness), difficulty staying awake during classes or work, sudden uncontrollable need to sleep during the day (sleep attack), awake and refreshed feeling after each episode, hallucinations may come before sleep, hallucinations during sleep, sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), temporary inability to use muscles (sleep paralysis).
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to rule out other causes of the symptoms may be performed including brain imaging studies and an electroencephalogram (EEG to record brain wave activity). The diagnosis is confirmed by a sleep study (polysomnogram).
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin
Other Specific Tests: Sleep studies (polysomnogram), Multiple Sleep Latency Test, EEG (brain activity measurements)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to rule out other causes of the symptoms may be performed including brain imaging studies and an electroencephalogram (EEG to record brain wave activity). The diagnosis is confirmed by a sleep study (polysomnogram).
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin
Other Specific Tests: Sleep studies (polysomnogram), Multiple Sleep Latency Test, EEG (brain activity measurements)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology
Treatment
There is no known cure. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms. Changing behavioral activities such as reducing stress, avoiding heavy meals, and taking daytime naps may reduce episodes. Medications may be necessary and include: dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and modafinil (Provigil).