Alternative Names
Daytime sleep disorder; Cataplexy
Definition of Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness and frequent daytime sleep attacks.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Narcolepsy is a nervous system disorder, not a mental illness. Anxiety does not cause narcolepsy.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of narcolepsy are:
Signs and tests
The doctor will perform a physical exam and order blood work to rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Conditions that can cause excessive sleepiness include:
Treatment
There is no known cure for narcolepsy. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis)
Narcolepsy is a chronic, lifelong condition. It is not a deadly illness, but it may be dangerous if episodes occur during driving, operating machinery, or similar activities. Narcolepsy can usually be controlled with treatment. Treating other underlying sleep disorders can improve symptoms of narcolepsy.
Review
Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 9/2/2009
