Definition and Treatment of Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy Facts and Treatment

Narcolepsy is prevalent in American society with 125,000 to 250,000 cases. However, because of lack of knowledge or denial on the part of the persons who have narcolepsy, approximately 50,000 are reported and diagnosed properly. That is a small number of diagnoses when compared to Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis which are of equal rate of presence (.03-0.09 percent of the population) as narcolepsy.

For people to become more aware of the seriousness of this case as well as proper treatment and diagnosis, here are some facts regarding narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy: Definition

Narcolepsy is a chronic disease that attacks the brain, the main organ in the central system. This disease manifests itself through the following symptoms:

- Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)

It has been observed that all persons who have narcolepsy suffer from Excessive daytime sleepiness. This situation can happen even during inappropriate situations, time and place.

Even if the person with narcolepsy got good night sleep previously, he feels tired and lazy during the day. He feels that he has low energy and has a strong urge to doze off to sleep.

- Cataplexy

Sudden loss of muscle tone can be observed from narcolepsy patients. This is triggered by emotional actions such as laughter, fear, excitement and the likes.

Voluntary actions as well as body postures are affected during cataplexy attacks.

60 to 70 percent of narcolepsy patients have cataplexy.

- Hypnagogic Hallucinations

Narcolepsy patients also suffer from distorted perceptions or dream-like situations between sleeping and waking moments. 50% of narcolepsy patents have manifestations of hallucinations.

-  Sleep paralysis

The ability of the patient to sleep and talk is lost during waking and sleeping transitions. 60% of narcolepsy patients experience sleep paralysis.

It has to be noted that the severity and combinations of these symptoms vary from case to case and may be accompanied by disturbing sleeping habits during nighttime as well as automatic sleeping behaviors.

Narcolepsy Patients

Narcolepsy starts in the early adult stage (usually teen-age years) with the symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) manifesting first. Other symptoms show months after EDS. Both sexes are equally prone to this disease.

Narcolepsy causes

New research shows that the causes of Narcolepsy can be attributed to the dysfunctions and abnormalities of the hypocretin system.

The hypocretin system is composed of:

- Hypocretin neurons found in the hypothalamus that secretes neurotransmitter substance;
- Hypocretin, the neurotransmitters that relays messages to other cells.

Such abnormalities that can cause narcolepsy are as follows:

- A drastic decrease in the number of hypocretin nerve cells in the brain
- Lack of hypocretin in the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and the brain)

The abnormalities of the said system may affect other neurotransmitter systems which in turn will cause excessive sleepiness during daytime as well as bad REM sleeping activities during nocturnal sleeps.

This phenomenon can be connected to former studies that points to the autoimmune system as the cause of narcolepsy. Due to various factors (that are uncertain as well), the autoimmune system treats the brain cells as foreign entities, then eats up the brain cells, leading to decrease in hypocretin in the brain.

Narcolepsy treatment

Narcolepsy can be treated in two ways: drug and non-drug methods.

-Medications

Medication therapy must be made to cater to fit the needs of the patients. Stimulants such as Amphetamines and Methamphetamines may be given to correct excessive daytime sleepiness. Depressants may be given to relax insomniac patients and prepare them to sleep during nighttime. Tricyclic antidepressants are given to control cataplexy. All these must correspond to the patient’s activity and schedule. Because of the side effects of the drugs, physicians must be consulted before taking any of the said drugs.

Non-drug treatment

This therapy focuses on changing behaviors that can help you adapt to narcolepsy. Some approaches include:

- Education regarding narcolepsy to equip the patient and the family members to cope up with the frustration
- Adapting a schedule to follow in waking up and sleeping
- Exercise and exposure to sunlight for alertness
- Proper diet (avoidance of alcohol and large meals)

The prevalence of narcolepsy should not leave its victims hopeless. With proper knowledge, diagnosis and treatment of narcolepsy that can be adjusted to fit your lifestyle, you never have to worry about narcolepsy again.