Narcolepsy is a disease characterized by the irresistible tendency to sleep. Periods of sleep occur several times a day. The total duration of nighttime sleep and daytime sleep small is ten to fifteen hours. The disorder occurs primarily in adolescence and midlife.
The cause of narcolepsy is not really known. We observed in several patients the first symptoms appeared after psychological stress or following a change in sleep schedule. The risk of being hit is greater if cases of narcolepsy are present in the family.
In addition to sleep well, the main symptoms are (but not always) the hypersomnolence, cataplexy, hallucinations and sleep paralysis. The patient may fall asleep at any time during a conversation, eating...
The
daytime hypersomnolence is a state of light sleep (drowsiness) occurring several times daily. It sometimes takes a few seconds, sometimes minutes. This condition can be dangerous if it occurs at the wheel of a car.
The
cataplexy is a brutal loss, but short of muscle tone without loss of consciousness. This symptom occurs less frequently than hypersomnia, if ever. It may affect only a few muscles, the jaw, for example, or several muscles, sometimes resulting in a fall. Since the patient is aware, this event may create a sense of panic. Cataplexy is usually due to a strong emotion.
The
delusion occur when falling asleep or awake. It only takes a few seconds. The hallucination is unpleasant, even frightening at times. It may happen only rarely or sometimes a month.
The
sleep paralysis is an inability to move for a few seconds. What differentiates this symptom of cataplexy is that it occurs just before or just after sleep. Some patients will never feel this symptom.
The treatment is to alleviate the symptoms.
13 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |