The following features are indicative of Narcolepsy:
excessive daytime sleepiness for seconds to minutes
sudden loss of muscle strength
sleep paralysis
hallucinations
Get TabletWise Pro
Thousands of Classes to Help You Become a Better You.
Common Causes of Narcolepsy
The following are the most common causes of Narcolepsy:
low level of hypocretin
genetic factor
Risk Factors for Narcolepsy
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Narcolepsy:
low level of hypocretin
variations in the HLA genes
Prevention of Narcolepsy
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Narcolepsy. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
avoid nicotine and alcohol
get regular exercise
stick to a schedule
Occurrence of Narcolepsy
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Narcolepsy cases seen each year worldwide:
Common between 1 - 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Narcolepsy can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Narcolepsy can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Narcolepsy
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Narcolepsy:
Polysomnography: Measures a variety of signals during sleep using electrodes placed on the scalp and measures the electrical activity of the brain
Multiple sleep latency test: Measures how long it takes to fall asleep during the day
Doctor for Diagnosis of Narcolepsy
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Narcolepsy:
Neurologist
Complications of Narcolepsy if untreated
Yes, Narcolepsy causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Narcolepsy is left untreated:
physical harm
interference with intimate relationships
trouble functioning at work
Self-care for Narcolepsy
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Narcolepsy:
Stick to a schedule: Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends
Take naps: Schedule short naps at regular intervals during the day
Avoid nicotine and alcohol: Using such substances can worsen the signs and symptoms
Get regular exercise: Moderate, regular exercise at least four to five hours before bedtime may help feel more awake during the day and sleep better at night
Patient Support for Treatment of Narcolepsy
The following actions may help Narcolepsy patients:
Support groups: Helps the patient to cope with condition