Narcolepsy is a brain disorder causing severe
sleepiness. The age at which symptoms begin is usually middle
childhood to adolescence, but the condition often is not diagnosed
until young adulthood.
People with narcolepsy may (but do not always)
have other symptoms such as:
Cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness when
experiencing a strong emotion such as anger or laughter)
Hallucinations at sleep onset
Sleep attacks
Sleep paralysis (a frightening feeling
prior to sleep onset in which the person is wide awake but not
able to move)
There are currently rapid advancements in
understanding the underlying cause of narcolepsy, which hopefully
will soon lead to a cure. Currently there is no cure for narcolepsy,
but the symptoms can be managed with medication. Testing for narcolepsy
usually requires an all-night sleep test and a series of naps
during the day.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
