ABSTRACT
Lawrence Scrima Sleep Expert Consultants, LLC, 15011 E Arkansas Dr., B, Aurora CO 80012, USA Fellow, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Darien, IL, USA
Todd J. Swick Fellow, American Academy of Neurology, Minneapolis, MN, USA Fellow, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Darien, IL, USA School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center-Houston, Houston, TX, USA Neurology and Sleep Medicine Consultants, 7500 San Felipe, Houston, TX 77063, USA6 North Cypress Medical Center Sleep Disorders Center, 21214 NW Freeway Cypress, TX 77429, USA Apnix Sleep Diagnostics Laboratories, Houston, TX, USA
Corresponding author: Lawrence Scrima, E-mail: scrimasleepdoc@msn.com
ABSTRACT
Narcolepsy means “to be seized by sleep” and is a relatively rare neurological sleep disorder that is the bane of those afflicted, yet provides a window on the neuromechanisms and functions of sleep. This chapter reviews and examines narcolepsy characteristics, primarily excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone during strong emotions) and disrupted nocturnal sleep, as well as
hypnagogic/hypnogogic hallucinations; incidence, differentiating tests, and appropriate treatment options. Fundamental and promising research is reviewed on the causes, treatments, and neuromechanisms of narcolepsy and cataplexy. The impact of narcolepsy on day-to-day living has substantial morbidity and reductions in health-related quality of life, whereas optimal treatment can have positive life altering benefit. Physicians’ lack of understanding of narcolepsy is reviewed, as well as their obligations to patients and the public. Sources of information for patients are provided.
