The Cause And Symptoms Of Narcolepsy
Heather Colman
The main symptom of Narcolepsy is overwhelming excessive
daytime sleepiness (EDS), even after adequate nighttime sleep. A
person with Narcolepsy is likely to become drowsy or to fall
asleep, often at inappropriate times and places. Daytime naps
may occur with or without warning and may be irresistible.
These naps can occur several times a day. They are typically
refreshing, but only for up to a couple hours. Drowsiness may
persist for prolonged periods of time. In addition, night-time
sleep may be fragmented with frequent wakenings.
Daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic
hallucinations also occur in people who do not have Narcolepsy,
more frequently in people who are suffering from extreme lack of
sleep. Cataplexy is generally considered to be unique to
Narcolepsy.
In most cases, the first symptom of Narcolepsy to appear is
excessive and overwhelming daytime sleepiness. The other
symptoms may begin alone or in combination months or years
after the onset of the daytime naps. There are wide variations
in the development, severity, and order of appearance of
cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations in
individuals. Only about 20 to 25 percent of people with
Narcolepsy experience all four symptoms. The excessive daytime
sleepiness generally persists throughout life, but sleep
paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations may not.
The symptoms of Narcolepsy, especially the excessive daytime
sleepiness and cataplexy, often become severe enough to cause
serious problems in a person's social, personal, and
professional lives and severely limit activities.
While the cause of Narcolepsy has not yet been determined,
scientists have discovered conditions that may increase an
individual's risk of having the disorder. Specifically, there
appears to be a strong link between narcoleptic individuals and
certain genetic conditions. One factor that may predispose an
individual to Narcolepsy involves an area of Chromosome 6 known
as the HLA complex. There appears to be a correlation between
narcoleptic individuals and certain variations in HLA genes,
although it is not required for the condition to occur.
Learning as much about Narcolepsy as possible and finding a
support system can help patients and families deal with the
practical and emotional effects of the disease, possible
occupational limitations, and situations that might cause
injury. A variety of educational and other materials are
available from sleep medicine or Narcolepsy organizations.
Support groups exist to help persons with Narcolepsy and their
families.
Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be
interpreted as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor for
more information about Narcolepsy.
About The Author: Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more
Narcolepsy resources at:
http://www.Narcolepsy-journal.info or
http://www.ebookpalace.com
See Also:
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