Medication
A medical doctor — normally your primary care physician (PCP) — coordinates the diagnostic process. In some cases, a referral may be made to a doctor who specializes in sleep medicine, a neurologist, and/or a psychiatrist to conduct additional evaluations that may aid in diagnosis and treatment. How Is Narcolepsy Diagnosed?
Nutrition
For most people with narcolepsy, treatment involves both behavioral approaches and medications. A combination of therapies frequently decreases excessive daytime sleepiness but a recent survey finds that it doesn’t eliminate it completely in most patients 6.
What kind of Doctor do you see for narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy must be diagnosed by a health professional. A medical doctor — normally your primary care physician (PCP) — coordinates the diagnostic process.
How is narcolepsy treated?
If your doctor suspects that you may have narcolepsy or another sleep disorder, it’s common for them to recommend two specialized sleep studies: Polysomnography (PSG) tracks your breathing, eye movement, muscle movement, and brain activity, and is usually conducted overnight in a sleep clinic.
How is narcolepsy diagnosed?
Do I need a sleep study for narcolepsy?
Who manages narcolepsy?
Neurologist Since narcolepsy is a neurological condition, a neurologist — a doctor trained in diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain and the nervous system — may be part of your healthcare team.
Who can diagnose me with narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy must be diagnosed by a health professional. A medical doctor — normally your primary care physician (PCP) — coordinates the diagnostic process.
Do psychiatrists treat narcolepsy?
There are lots of reasons for psychiatrists to be involved, even if they don't want to be the frontline person. But proper screening by the neurologists and psychiatrists would be a huge advancement for the disorder of narcolepsy.
What is the most effective treatment for narcolepsy?
Stimulants. Drugs that stimulate the central nervous system are the primary treatment to help people with narcolepsy stay awake during the day. Doctors often try modafinil (Provigil) or armodafinil (Nuvigil) first for narcolepsy.
Who do I talk to if I think I have narcolepsy?
You should see a GP if you think you may have narcolepsy so they can find out what's causing your symptoms. If necessary, you'll be referred to a sleep disorder specialist, who can confirm the diagnosis.
What can narcolepsy be mistaken for?
Narcolepsy is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that can have similar symptoms, including:Depression.Anxiety.Other psychologic/psychiatric disorders.Insomnia.Obstructive sleep apnea.
Should I see a neurologist for narcolepsy?
You don't need to see a neurologist for the diagnosis or treatment of narcolepsy. But many leading neurologists do specialize in sleep disorders and work at sleep medicine practices. ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor.
Can a neurologist help with sleep disorders?
Neurologists tend to provide treatment for sleeping disorders when the cause is thought to be neurological. Central sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome can all be related to neurological issues and are best treated by a neurologist.
Is Adderall prescribed for narcolepsy?
Everything you need to know about Adderall. Adderall is a prescription medication that doctors commonly prescribe to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Adderall can also help treat narcolepsy, which is a sleep disorder.
What are the 5 signs of narcolepsy?
There are 5 main symptoms of narcolepsy, referred to by the acronym CHESS (Cataplexy, Hallucinations, Excessive daytime sleepiness, Sleep paralysis, Sleep disruption). While all patients with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness, they may not experience all 5 symptoms.
Is narcolepsy a neurological disorder?
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to control sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may feel rested after waking, but then feel very sleepy throughout much of the day.
What diet is best for narcolepsy?
Research is limited, but some people with narcolepsy say their symptoms improve when they follow a ketogenic (or keto) diet, which is a restrictive, low-carbohydrate, high-fat, moderate-protein diet. “There's some clinical data from small studies of low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet in people with narcolepsy,” Li says.
What is the best doctor for narcolepsy?
Some neurologists are specially trained in sleep medicine, so they may be more comfortable diagnosing narcolepsy, says Dasgupta. Primary care provider (PCP) While a sleep specialist or neurologist will likely be the lead physician managing your narcolepsy, they’ll need to have good communication with your PCP.
What kind of doctor treats narcolepsy?
Neurologist Since narcolepsy is a neurological condition, a neurologist — a doctor trained in diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain and the nervous system — may be part of your healthcare team. Some neurologists are specially trained in sleep medicine, so they may be more comfortable diagnosing narcolepsy, says Dasgupta.
How long does it take to diagnose narcolepsy?
A review published in October 2018 in the journal Sleep and Vigilance found that narcolepsy is widely under-recognized and takes about 10 to 15 years to diagnose after symptoms initially appear. What’s more, according to Dr. Dasgupta, symptoms can look different in adolescents and adults.
Does narcolepsy cause hypertension?
Cardiologist People with narcolepsy are predisposed to developing hypertension, says Thorpy. Unfortunately, some of the medications that treat narcolepsy are stimulants that work to help you stay awake during the day; these can increase the heart rate, which raises blood pressure.
Does depression affect narcolepsy?
And mental health issues such as depression may worsen your narcolepsy symptoms: Having a mood disorder can make it difficult to care for yourself to manage your symptoms optimally, which can reduce your quality of life, according to research published in March 2018 in the journal Medical Sciences.
Is narcolepsy a health problem?
Narcolepsy seems to be connected to a number of other health problems, such as depression and high blood pressure, and your doctor may suggest that you incorporate other health professionals on your team to treat these related conditions.
Can narcolepsy cause sleep paralysis?
People with narcolepsy may have a sudden and overwhelming urge to sleep during the day or experience other symptoms, such as cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness), hallucinations, and sleep paralysis right before falling asleep or while waking up. Symptoms can vary from person to person, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
How to treat narcolepsy?
Treatment for narcolepsy can be broken down into two categories: 1 Behavioral approaches employ changes in lifestyle and daily habits to manage symptoms and reduce the likelihood of other physical and emotional challenges that often affect people with narcolepsy. 2 Medications can be prescribed to address symptoms. The use of medications is known as pharmacotherapy.
How many medications do you need to treat narcolepsy?
To treat narcolepsy, doctors usually start with one drug to see how well it works for a specific patient. The dosage or timing of doses may be changed as needed, or the doctor may recommend switching medications if the first is not working or well-tolerated.
What is the name of the disorder where you fall asleep involuntarily?
Narcolepsy is a disorder in which the sleep-wake cycle is significantly altered 1. Its central symptom is excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which may involve falling asleep involuntarily, even while eating or driving. People with narcolepsy face safety risks including a three- to four-fold increase 2 in their chances of being in an automobile ...
How to sleep better with narcolepsy?
Practical tips to improve sleep routines for people with narcolepsy include: Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time: A stable sleep schedule can ensure that enough time is budgeted for rest and helps habituate the body to sleeping at set times, including at night.
Why is it important to eat healthy when you have narcolepsy?
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it takes on added importance for people with narcolepsy because they have an elevated risk of obesity. The timing of meals is important as well. Eating too late at night may interfere with normal digestion and is associated with sleep disruptions 8.
What is the symptom of narcolepsy?
There are two types of narcolepsy 3. Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) frequently involves a symptom called cataplexy, which is a sudden and brief loss of muscle tone in which the individual is conscious. It is triggered by strong emotions, usually positive ones like laughter.
What is behavioral approach in narcolepsy?
Behavioral approaches employ changes in lifestyle and daily habits to manage symptoms and reduce the likelihood of other physical and emotional challenges that often affect people with narcolepsy. Medications can be prescribed to address symptoms. The use of medications is known as pharmacotherapy.
How is narcolepsy diagnosed?
Narcolepsy is diagnosed after your healthcare provider performs a detailed medical and sleep history, physical examination, medication history and sleep studies (which are performed in a sleep disorders center).
How many people have narcolepsy?
Approximately one in 2,000 Americans has narcolepsy. The disorder affects males and females equally. Up to 10% of people who have narcolepsy have a relative who also has the disorder. Narcolepsy occurs in people of all ages, but the first sign of daytime sleepiness usually appears in the teenage years or twenties.
How long does it take for narcolepsy to return to normal?
Although brief naps during the day may help you feel rested and alert, tiredness returns within one to two hours.
What is narcolepsy disorder?
What is narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a neurological (nervous system) disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control sleep and wakefulness. If you have narcolepsy, you experience excessive daytime sleepiness and may have uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the daytime.
What are the symptoms of narcolepsy?
Some persons with narcolepsy have close relatives with similar symptoms. Brain injury or tumor. In a small number of patients, the area of brain that controls REM sleep and wakefulness can be injured by trauma, tumor or disease. Infections. Environmental toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals and secondhand smoke.
What is the chemical signal in the brain that is lost in narcolepsy?
Scientists have discovered that people with narcolepsy have a loss of a neurotransmitter (chemical signal) in the brain called hypocretin. Hypo cretin is important for regulating the sleep/wake cycle including the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep state.
When is MSLT performed for narcolepsy?
The MSLT is performed during the daytime, the day after the PSG test.
Narcolepsy Treatment
Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that inhibits one’s ability to control and regulate sleep-wake cycles. There is no known cure for narcolepsy, but there are a variety of treatments 1 to alleviate and control the symptoms of narcolepsy.
Medications to Treat Narcolepsy
There are several medications that can combat and help reduce the effects of narcolepsy. Typically, these medications fall into two categories: stimulants that promote alertness and wakefulness; and anti-depressants and sedatives that help ensure a more regulated sleep, treat cataplexy, and can decrease overall anxiety.
Lifestyle changes
Because narcolepsy is a chronic lifelong condition with a wide range of different symptoms and causes, it is important to seek medical help to determine the right combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. Besides medications, there are several ways people can adapt their lifestyle to reduce the effects of narcolepsy.
What are the best medications for narcolepsy?
Drugs that act as stimulants and/or reduce the other symptoms of narcolepsy are standard treatments for the condition. They include: Armodafinil ( Nuvigil ): This drug is similar to Provigil. It is also used to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness. Headache and nausea are the most common side effects. Methylphenidate Hcl ( Daytrana, Ritalin ...
How to help narcolepsy stay awake?
It has proven effective in helping patients stay awake for longer periods of time. Home Remedies for Narcolepsy. There are several things you can do at home to help improve the symptoms of narcolepsy and include the following: Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Can narcolepsy be taken one day a week?
Therefore, some doctors advise people with narcolepsy to abstain from taking it one day each week (typically on a weekend).
How do you treat narcolepsy?
Before discussing specific therapies, it's important to get to the root of the problem.
Lifestyle changes for narcolepsy
A range of behavioral changes play a significant part in managing narcolepsy. Here are some of the lifestyle changes that can help with narcolepsy treatment.
Medications for narcolepsy
There are various medicines available to manage narcolepsy, with the right option varying from person to person. "The choice of drugs is primarily determined by the symptom profile, coverage options, and coexisting medical conditions," says Dr. Bollu.
Treatments
Sleep specialists normally treat narcolepsy with a combination of behavioral changes (primarily scheduling nocturnal sleep and naps) and medications, tailoring the treatment based on the potential cause (s) of the condition, individual symptoms and response to treatments. Changes in work or lifestyle can be helpful.
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Preparing For Your Appointment
- Your doctor may make a preliminary diagnosis of narcolepsy based on your excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy). After an initial diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation. Formal diagnosis requires staying overnigh…
Medications to Treat Narcolepsy
- There is no cure for narcolepsy, but medications and lifestyle modifications can help you manage the symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Master Sources List For Narcolepsy
- Dealing with narcolepsy can be challenging. Making adjustments in your daily schedule may help. Consider these tips: 1. Talk about it. Tell your employer or teachers about your condition and work with them to find ways to accommodate your needs. This may include taking naps during the day, breaking up monotonous tasks, recording meetings or classes, standing during meetings or lect…
Resources
- You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a sleep specialist. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.