Narcolepsy or disease Gélineau is as common as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis and more prevalent than cystic fibrosis, but it is much less known. It is often confused with psychiatric disorders or epilepsy . Delayed diagnosis is usually more than 10 years . It is characterized by sudden attacks of sleep and often irresistible. These attacks can occur several times in the same day and extended by a lethargic state. A family sleepiness is often found .
It is accompanied in its complete form of cataplexy is characterized by sudden episodes of loss of muscle tone that can range from a simple weakness in the neck , knees, muscles of the face to a complete collapse . These involuntary attacks are usually triggered by sudden emotional reaction to laughter, to the surprise or fear .
Other symptoms can exist as sleep paralysis resulting in the temporary inability to talk or move while falling asleep or awakening. They can last from a few seconds to minutes , and are accompanied by significant anxiety especially when the person ignores the diagnosis.
Sleep hallucinations are common. These are strange and unpleasant experiences like a waking dream. They appear to fall asleep or when reduced alertness during the day.
Naps are recommended and very recuperative . The symptoms of narcolepsy , especially the excessive sleepiness are often severe enough to cause serious disturbances in the personal, social and professional lives of sick individuals.
The diagnosis of narcolepsy
It is produced in the sleep laboratory with polysomnography recording night and sleep latency tests during the day.
Most narcoleptic belong to a particular HLA tissue type is determined by a blood test.
The treatment of narcolepsy
It is based on drugs that increase alertness and a healthy lifestyle for a better distribution of sleep with a few brief naps during the day. Parents , teachers , spouses and employers narcoleptic subjects should be informed of the symptoms of this disease. This would avoid confusing the patient's attitude with laziness , hostility or lack of interest or motivation. This would also provide assistance and adapt the socio-professional environment of the subject to his illness.
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