Narcolepsy - Diagnosis
And Treatment
Narcolepsy Is Not The End Of The World,
Learn About The Diagnosis And Treatment
Narcolepsy is a serious sleep disorder that can cause fatalities
and can affect many people in many different ways. Those who
suffer from narcolepsy are frequently tired during the day,
and they tend to suddenly fall asleep right in the midst of
performing everyday tasks. As you might have learnt about
the symptoms of narcolepsy and its suspected causes, now,
let¡¯s see how narcolepsy is diagnosed and what the treatment
options are.
When daytime sleepiness becomes a constant problem, and other
potential conditions such as depression, insufficient sleep,
fainting and a disorder that causes seizures have been ruled
out, narcolepsy is generally identified, especially if the
sleepiness is accompanied by cataplexy
The diagnosis can be carried out as the individual spend
time at a sleep center where sleeping patterns can be monitored
and evaluated. Sleep pattern evaluation is known as multiple
sleep latency testing. Through out the time at the sleep center,
the patient may also undergo a series of tests known as a
Polysomnogram. With the aid of strategically-paced electrodes,
the patient's heartbeat, eye movements, brain activity and
muscle movements can be measured.
Sometimes, the patient's blood for antigens has to be tested,
especially when there is a family history of narcolepsy.
Treatment of narcolepsy combines several factors, which include
behavioral changes, counseling and prescription medication.
Behavioral changes are primarily geared towards encouraging
better sleeping routines. Have a moderate exercise everyday
which will energize during the day and help bring on sleep
at night. Getting into the habit of sleeping and waking at
specific times daily can help bring routine to sleep. Taking
several brief naps during the day can help eliminate fatigue
and abrupt bouts of daytime sleeping. It is also advisable
to eliminate caffeine, alcohol and nicotine once for all.
When it comes to prescription medications, stimulants are
proven to be effective because they work on the nervous system
which helps those with narcolepsy stay awake. Modafinil is
a drug that works in a similar manner without risk of addiction.
Antidepressants have been used to treat the cataplexy, sleep
paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations that some narcolepsy
sufferers experience during REM sleep by inhibiting REM sleep.
Sodium oxybate also used to treat these symptoms.
Counseling has also been incorporated as a component of treatment.
Those who suffer from narcolepsy usually have trouble themselves
dealing with this sleep disorder, but they also can experience
negativity from the others with whom they associate. The danger
of this sleep disorder is so serious that it could be fatal.
As a safety measure, some obsolete themselves off from the
outside world. They choose not to work, to drive, or to interact
socially with others and instead become isolated. Living in
this manner is unhealthy and often lead to depression.
As for those who don't fully understand the sleep disorder
have not been supportive either. Feelings of doubt, thinking
the situation is humorous, mistrust and a lower libido resulting
from extreme fatigue can ruin relationships at both home and
work.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that victims of sleep
disorder to join counseling or joining a support group, so,
they will learn to cope their situation better.
| 
