Narcolepsy

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Chronic neurological disorder = Inability to regulate sleep-wake cycle
characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

loss of hypocretin-producing neurons in the hypothalamus, which regulate wakefulness and sleep

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

20 - 30 years

Question 4

Clinical features

Answer 4

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Cataplexy
• Sleep paralysis
• Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations

Question 5

Diagnosis

Answer 5

FIRST LINE = POLYSOMNOGRAPHY
GOLD STANDARD = Multiple sleep latency testy

Question 6

Treatment

Answer 6

FIRST LINE = MODAFINIL or SODIUM OXYBATE = improve nighttime sleeping
Antidepressants = reduce cataplexy and reduce daytime sleepiness

Sodium oxybate first line for children with narcolepsy