Narcolepsy

Question 1

What is narcolepsy?

Answer 1

Chronic condition characterised by disruption of sleep-wake cycle and REM sleep intrusion

Question 2

What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?

Answer 2

• daytime sleepiness
• involuntary somnolence during eating/talking
• can be severe and impossible to resist
• cataplexy
• hypnagogic hallucinations
• sleep paralysis

Question 3

What is cataplexy?

Answer 3

sudden hypotonia
loss of muscle tone
triggered by emotion e.g. a fright, laughing

Question 4

What are hypnagogic hallucinations?

Answer 4

hallucinations occurring at sleep onset

Question 5

What is sleep paralysis?

Answer 5

paralysis of speech and movement while completely aware

at sleep onset or waking

Question 6

How is narcolepsy diagnosed?

Answer 6

overnight polysomnography

Question 7

What is the treatment of narcolepsy?

Answer 7

stimulants e.g. methylphenidate (may cause dependence and psychosis), modafinil (anxiety, aggression, dry mouth)