Narcolepsy

Question 1

What is narcolepsy?

Answer 1

A brain condition which disrupts the ability control sleep-wake cycle

Question 2

What is narcolepsy associated with?

Answer 2

• HLA-DR2
• Low levels of hypocretin, a protein which is responsible for controlling appetite and sleep patterns

Question 3

How does narcolepsy present?

Answer 3

• Typical onset in teenage years
• Excessive sleepiness
• Cataplexy: sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by emotion
• Sleep paralysis
• Vivid hallucinations upon sleep/waking

Question 4

How is narcolepsy investigated?

Answer 4

• Multiple sleep latency EEG

Question 5

How is narcolepsy managed?

Answer 5

Daytime stimulants: Modafinil
Nightime: Sodium oxybate