Narcolepsy Flashcards
1
Q
What is narcolepsy?
A
Chronic condition characterised by disruption of sleep-wake cycle and REM sleep intrusion
2
Q
What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?
A
- daytime sleepiness
- involuntary somnolence during eating/talking
- can be severe and impossible to resist
- cataplexy
- hypnagogic hallucinations
- sleep paralysis
3
Q
What is cataplexy?
A
sudden hypotonia
loss of muscle tone
triggered by emotion e.g. a fright, laughing
4
Q
What are hypnagogic hallucinations?
A
hallucinations occurring at sleep onset
5
Q
What is sleep paralysis?
A
paralysis of speech and movement while completely aware
at sleep onset or waking
6
Q
How is narcolepsy diagnosed?
A
overnight polysomnography
7
Q
What is the treatment of narcolepsy?
A
stimulants e.g. methylphenidate (may cause dependence and psychosis), modafinil (anxiety, aggression, dry mouth)
