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Narcolepsy
Medical Questions » Narcolepsy
| Name: Narcolepsy |
| Also known as: |
| An unusual disorder of the brain' s electrical activity that is characterized by sudden uncontrolled episodes of sleep. |
Causes of Narcolepsy
Unknown, but patients go from wakefulness almost immediately into the deepest type of sleep, known as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, without passing through the normal intermediate stages. |
Symptoms of Narcolepsy
Sudden periods of sleeping for 5 to 30 minutes several times a day, sudden muscle weakness, hallucinations before and during sleep periods, and paralysis immediately before and during sleep. Patients suddenly fall asleep, sometimes in the middle of a sentence, or when halfway across a pedestrian crossing. Wide range of severity from those who merely appear to sleep excessively, to those who are barely able to function or care for themselves. |
Tests for Narcolepsy
Diagnosis confirmed by an electroencephalogram (EEG) and by observing the patient in a sleep laboratory. |
Treatment for Narcolepsy
Stimulants such as amphetamine used on a regular basis. Patients must not be allowed to drive, swim or operate machinery until they have been well controlled for a long time.
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Complications of Narcolepsy of its treatment
Obvious danger that the patient may accidentally harm themselves. |
Likely Outcome of Narcolepsy
In many patients, good control of symptoms is quite difficult to achieve. |
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