Narcolepsy Questions & Answers

Updated: May 04, 2023
  • Author: Sagarika Nallu, MD; Chief Editor: Selim R Benbadis, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

How is narcolepsy characterized?

What are the signs and symptoms of narcolepsy?

What are clinical features of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in narcolepsy?

What are clinical features of cataplexy in narcolepsy?

What are clinical features of sleep paralysis in narcolepsy?

What are the clinical features of narcolepsy?

What are the signs and symptoms of narcolepsy in children?

What is the role of sleep studies in the diagnosis of narcolepsy?

What are the nonpharmacologic treatments for narcolepsy?

Which medications are used in the treatment of narcolepsy?

How is cataplexy treated in narcolepsy?

What is narcolepsy?

What are the DMS-5 diagnostic criteria for narcolepsy?

What are the DSM-5 categorizations of narcolepsy?

What are the ICSD-3 classifications of narcolepsy and how are they diagnosed?

What is the pathophysiology of narcolepsy?

What is the role of rapid eye movement (REM) in the pathophysiology of narcolepsy?

What is the role of hypocretin system in the pathophysiology of narcolepsy?

Which neurotransmitters are generated in CNS nuclei relative to narcolepsy?

How are hypocretin neurons affected in patients with narcolepsy?

What is the role of genetics in the pathophysiology of narcolepsy?

What is the prevalence of narcolepsy in the US?

What is the global prevalence of narcolepsy?

Which patient groups have the highest prevalence of narcolepsy?

What is the prognosis of narcolepsy?

What is included in patient education about narcolepsy?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of narcolepsy?

What is cataplexy in narcolepsy?

What are the sleep disturbance symptoms of narcolepsy?

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of narcolepsy in young children?

What is the role of sleep questionnaires in the evaluation of narcolepsy?

Which physical findings are characteristic of narcolepsy?

DDX

How is idiopathic hypersomnia differentiated from narcolepsy?

Which conditions are included in the differential diagnoses of narcolepsy?

What are the differential diagnoses for Narcolepsy?

Workup

Which studies are included in the evaluation of narcolepsy?

What is the role of sleep studies in the diagnosis of narcolepsy?

Treatment

How is narcolepsy treated?

What are the nonpharmacologic treatment options for narcolepsy?

What are the nonpharmacologic treatment options for children with narcolepsy?

What is the role of methylphenidate in the treatment of narcolepsy?

What is the role of modafinil in the treatment of narcolepsy?

What is the role of armodafinil in the treatment of narcolepsy?

What is the role of sodium oxybate in the treatment of narcolepsy?

What is the role of amphetamines in the treatment of narcolepsy?

What types of narcolepsy treatments are currently being investigated?

What is the role of medications in the treatment of children with narcolepsy?

Which diet and activity modifications are used in the treatment of narcolepsy?

What is included in long-term monitoring of patients with narcolepsy?

Medications

What is the role of pharmacologic therapy for narcolepsy?

Which medications in the drug class CNS Depressants are used in the treatment of Narcolepsy?

Which medications in the drug class Stimulants are used in the treatment of Narcolepsy?

Which medications in the drug class Histamine H3 Antagonist/Inverse Agonist are used in the treatment of Narcolepsy?

Which medications in the drug class Dopamine/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors are used in the treatment of Narcolepsy?