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 …
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 …
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, …
Sleep paralysis
Sleep paralysis occurs in about 60 percent of narcolepsy patient. It usually occurs when the patient is falling asleep or waking up. The person is conscious but move or speak, Episodes can last a few seconds or several minutes. They can cause panic in a patient if he or she …
Automatic behavior
Automatic behavior involves patients seeming to “falling asleep” while they are awake. They may perform routine tasks and not remember them afterward. They may also jump from topic to topic while speaking, or suddenly stop talking in the middle of a conversation.