![]() Worldwide it affects about 4 people per 10,000. Hypocretin is very important in wakefulness and in keeping the states of being either awake or asleep more stable. These cells normally produce a chemical called hypocretin (also known as orexin). It occurs due to the death (from autoimmune activity) of a small group of cells in an area of the brain known as the lateral hypothalamus. Sometimes infections (such as streptococcus or influenza) or severe stress can trigger the onset of narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is linked to a person’s genetic make-up. Although those with narcolepsy may fall asleep quickly at night, their sleep may be broken. They may be confused as to whether they are dreaming or not. People will ‘see’ images, shapes or shadows around them. Hallucinations can occur at the beginning of sleep (known as hypnagogic hallucinations) and end of sleep (known as hypnopompic hallucinations). Sleep paralysis typically occurs on waking up and being unable to move for a short period of time. However, these can also occur in people who do not have narcolepsy. Many people with narcolepsy also experience other symptoms such as sleep paralysis and hallucinations. Episodes of cataplexy can involve all muscles of the body (with the person falling over or buckling at the knees) or may only involve some muscle groups (causing head nodding or jaw sagging, for example). Cataplexy typically lasts for up to a couple of minutes and the person is both conscious and awake. It involves a sudden loss of muscle power which is set off by strong emotion such as laughter. Cataplexy occurs with ‘classic’ narcolepsy, now referred to as Narcolepsy Type 1. ![]() The sleepiness involves difficulty staying awake in passive situations, an irresistible urge to nap and falling asleep inappropriately (such as in meetings, classes or cinemas). People with narcolepsy have excessive sleepiness during the day despite sufficient sleep length overnight. It may occur with other symptoms such as cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hallucinations. Narcolepsy Diagnosis: NHS Guide.Narcolepsy is a chronic disorder of excessive daytime sleepiness.Clinical characteristics and burden of illness in pediatric patients with narcolepsy. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Listening to the patient voice in narcolepsy: diagnostic delay, disease burden, and treatment efficacy. Maski K, Steinhart E, Williams D, Scammell T, Flygare J, McCleary K, Gow M.Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association 2013. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 3 During sleep, they may have vivid dreams and nightmares, and may physically act out their dreams. 3īefore falling asleep or upon wakening, people with narcolepsy may experience hallucinations, or feel awake but be unable to move. Children may also feel whole body weakness, and cataplexy in children can occur without laughing or joking. In children, cataplexy can primarily affect the face and may look slightly different – for example, grimacing, mouth opening, or a ‘tongue thrusting’ movement. 2 Cataplexy is usually triggered by strong emotions and, in particular, it is associated with laughing and excitement. 2,3 Depending on the location of the muscle weakness, it can cause a person’s head to bob, their jaw to drop, or it can even make them fall over. While increased sleepiness is normally the first symptom to appear, most people with narcolepsy also suffer from ‘cataplexy’ – a sudden, brief muscle weakness or loss of muscular control in the jaw, arms/legs or whole body, that occurs while the person is awake. 2 Symptoms may develop slowly over many years, or suddenly over the course of a few weeks. The main signs of narcolepsy are excessive daytime sleepiness and need for naps.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |