narcolepsy

Learn More about Narcolepsy in Shreveport

Narcolepsy is a disorder that results in excessive sleepiness. Narcolepsy is a neurologic disorder affecting the sleep mediating centers of the brain.  Abnormalities of the neurochemical  "hypocretin" have been implicated in the pathophysiology of narcolepsy. Since narcolepsy is a disorder that involves rapid eye movement sleep (REM) it mirrors the phenomena that occur in REM.

The characteristic symptoms of narcolepsy include the following:

  • Daytime sleepiness is the hallmark of narcolepsy and narcolepsy sufferers complain of being tired and sleepy throughout the day. Narcoleptics are often refreshed by short naps. However, they may quickly get sleepy again.


  • Sleep attacks with sudden sleep can happen while engaged in normal activities such as driving, walking and at work


  • Disturbed night time sleep: narcoleptics have restless sleep, wake up frequently, and have trouble going back to sleep.


  • Hypnagogic hallucinations: This reflects the fact that the dreams are so vivid that they appear real and one may feel that what is being dreamt is actually happening. this is especially seen at sleep onset.


  • Memory problems: may be experienced because one may not be fully awake during those events. Furthermore the details of events and conversations may be affected by dream phenomenon.


  • Sleep paralysis: is when the individual is unable to move for a few seconds or minutes either while falling asleep or waking up.



  • Cataplexy:  is a symptom that is uniquely seen in narcolepsy and is characterized by sudden loss of muscle tone and weakness. Cataplexy may be localized to a few muscle groups or it can be generalized to involve the whole body.  when a limb, the head, or  the muscles of the face become weak. It is normally caused by strong emotions such as laughter, excitement, and surprise. Anger and other emotions may also cause cataplexy.

Narcolepsy may be primary or secondary.  Primary narcolepsy is seen in about one out of every 2,000 people and It affects men and women equally. Primary narcolepsy does seem to have a genetic basis to it and the risk for narcolepsy increases when a relative has it. Narcolepsy may be seen with and without cataplexy. Narcolepsy usually starts during adolescence or early adulthood and may be a lifetime disorder. Secondary narcolepsy may be seen after head trauma, neurological injury and infections.


In addition to the history an overnight sleep study or NPSG followed by a daytime nap study or MSLT are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of narcolepsy.  A sleep diary for the two weeks preceding the testing is imperative and a drug screen may need to be performed at the time of the studies. Other blood tests may also need to be done.


The most common way to treat narcolepsy is by using medications. Stimulants are used for the excessive daytime sleepiness.  Other kinds of medications may need to be used to control the cataplexy component of the disorder. Visit us in Shreveport to find the right solution for you!