What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder resulting into sudden and uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep. People suffering from narcolepsy would experience periods of extreme daytime sleepiness. The patient can fall asleep at any time from a few seconds up to a few minutes. It could happen during driving, during a meeting or conversation or even during sex. Narcolepsy may also cause muscle weakness.
Diagnosis:
1. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
2. Cataplexy, here there is a sudden loss of muscle tone with little or no warning
3. Wild hallucinations, can occur during the onset of sleep and during waking
4. Sleep Paralysis, this can occur at the beginning and end of sleep
Causes:
A number of research being carried out since 1999, however, until today there is no definite answer to this question. Still there are doubts as regards the causes of narcolepsy. It is believed that there is some “normal sleep cycle” that takes place during sleep. This sleep cycle is controlled by neurons and which in turn depends on hormone Hypocretin. For narcoleptics, it has been noted that the hormone Hypocretin is a lot lower than in people who don't suffer from Narcolepsy.
Treatment:
As we are not sure as to the cause of the condition “narcolepsy”, until today there isn’t any full proof treatment of narcolepsy. However, the use of the drug like Modafinil has helped to ease out the situation to some extent for patients suffering from narcolepsy. The drug Modafinil works by stimulating the activity within the brain and the spinal cord. It is indicated for the symptomatic relief of excessive sleepiness associated with Narcolepsy. However, the drug will only reduce the symptoms, but will not alleviate them entirely. In fact, Narcolepsy cannot be treated completed; only the symptoms could be controlled with behavioral and drug therapy. It is always advisable to consult a qualified medical practitioner before embarking on any course of treatment.
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