Mt Kenya TV: Narcolepsy Feature 2019

Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder which affects one in every 3,000,000 people worldwide, including here in Kenya. Some of narcolepsy’s key symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks, sudden micro sleeps, and disrupted nighttime sleep. People living with Narcolepsy and those who remain undiagnosed especially in Kenya/Africa under go stigma because of the Excessive…

Working with Schools

Introduction Children with rare or undiagnosed conditions – such as narcolepsy – are members of neighborhood schools across the country. School can, and should, be a great place for everyone, including those with unique medical conditions, to access their education. Narcolepsy can affect children differently, and children who have it vary greatly in intelligence, behavior,…

Students with Narcolepsy

A guide for educators and parents with Essential information for all: School Nurses, School Administrators, Special Education Teams, Parents, Teachers, Students Narcolepsy Symptoms Narcolepsy is caused by the loss of brain cells that produce hypocretin, the chemical that regulates sleeping and waking. Symptoms include: Excessive Day Time Sleepiness (EDS): “recurrent periods of an irresistible need…

Narcolepsy and Mental Health

The consequences of narcolepsy may be many and far-reaching. Cataplexy may interfere with physical activities, and efforts to avoid emotions may lead to social withdrawal. Sleep attacks and cataplexy in public are embarrassing and can cause serious social difficulties. Inability to work and/or drive may result in loss of independence, financial difficulties and various other problems. In these situations, a person can easily lose…

Narcolepsy Diagnosis

In Kenya, diagnosis is normally done by undergoing Electroencephalography (EEG) which monitors brain waves, a specialist will analyse your test results to determine whether you have normal brain wave activity, breathing patterns, and muscle and eye movement. Read more about EEG Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is often the first symptom to appear, and, for some, the primary symptom of narcolepsy. However, EDS is…

Narcolepsy Treatment

Narcolepsy has no cure The goal is to decrease EDS and reduce occurrences of cataplexy using minimal medication, EDS and cataplexy must be treated separately. Traditionally, central nervous system stimulants (i.e., Ritalin, Dexedrine, etc.) have been used for EDS. In 1999, Provigil (Modafinil) was the first stimulant approved for treatment of EDS associated with narcolepsy. Nuvigil, a longer-acting formulation of modafinil, has…