Narcolepsy Information

• Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by brief, uncontrollable attacks of deep sleep. This eMedTV segment offers an in-depth look at narcolepsy and its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

• Cause of Narcolepsy

As this eMedTV article explains, the exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown. However, researchers currently believe that multiple factors interact to cause this sleep disorder. This Web page explores several of the possible causes of narcolepsy.

• Narcolepsy Symptoms

Overwhelming daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and sleep paralysis are common symptoms of narcolepsy. This eMedTV Web page takes an in-depth look at these and other narcolepsy signs and symptoms, including hypnagogic hallucinations.

• Diagnosing Narcolepsy

Two tests commonly used in diagnosing narcolepsy are the polysomnogram and the multiple sleep latency test. This eMedTV Web page explains how these tests assist doctors in reaching a narcolepsy diagnosis.

• Narcolepsy Treatment

As this eMedTV article explains, narcolepsy treatment often involves medications such as central nervous system stimulants, modafinil, and antidepressants. This resource takes an in-depth look at these and other narcolepsy treatments.

• Narcolepsy Screening

A routine, effective screening test for narcolepsy has not yet been developed. This portion of the eMedTV library talks about narcolepsy screening and discusses the tests that can be used to diagnose people who exhibit narcolepsy symptoms.

• Coping With Narcolepsy

As this eMedTV article explains, coping with narcolepsy often involves developing behavioral strategies (such as taking regularly scheduled naps) to gain greater control over the disorder. This Web page offers strategies for those coping with narcolepsy.

• Narcolepsy Support Groups

Narcolepsy support groups offer practical help and emotional support for people affected by narcolepsy. This eMedTV page highlights the benefits that narcolepsy support groups can offer, such as an understanding network of social contacts.

• Research on Narcolepsy

As explained in this eMedTV article, current research on narcolepsy is focused on understanding the cause of this sleep disorder, as well as improving the methods of detecting and treating it. This page discusses narcolepsy research in detail.

• Statistics on Narcolepsy

Statistics on narcolepsy indicate that this sleep disorder could affect as many as 200,000 Americans. This eMedTV article offers several important statistics on narcolepsy, including statistics about car accidents and symptoms.

• People With Narcolepsy

This part of the eMedTV archives discusses the strong evidence that narcolepsy may run in families. In fact, 8 to 12 percent of people with narcolepsy have a close relative with the disease.

• Narcolepsy in Children

Narcolepsy (a type of sleep disorder) occurs in children more frequently than is generally recognized. This eMedTV resource discusses narcolepsy in children and the impact it can have on a child's social and cognitive development.