Cause Of Narcolepsy
Cause of Narcolepsy basically cannot be pinned to one specific factor. Narcolepsy treatment often starts between 15 and 25 years of age although it may become apparent at any age. In most cases, narcolepsy is undiagnosed and yes, it remains untreated.
Narcolepsy refers to the neurological disorder affecting the control of sleep and sleeplessness. People suffering from this disorder experience excessive daytime sleepiness and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep in daytime. But the cause of narcolepsy is actually unknown. Nonetheless, scientists have made progress on identifying that genes are responsible for the disorder. Genes control the production of chemicals in the brain which can signal sleep and awake processes. There are experts thinking that narcolepsy is due to a deficiency in the production of a hypocretin in the brain.
There are researchers that have discovered abnormalities in brain parts that are actually involved in regulating (Rapid Eye Movement) REM sleep. Such abnormalities in fact contribute to symptom development. Experts say that it is likely narcolepsy that involves multiple factors interacting to cause neurological dysfunction and REM sleep disorders.
Eye movement is one cause of narcolepsy. Normally, when we are awake, brain waves show a regular rhythm. Once we are asleep, the brain waves become slower and move irregularly. The sleep state is a non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. After about an hour and a half of NREM sleep, the brain waves become more active again, though we are in a deep sleep. This is now called the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, wherein dreaming usually occurs. In narcolepsy, the order and length of NREM and REM sleep are affected and that’s the cause why a person suffers from this disorder.
Along with knowing the cause of this rare disease, the patient is more concerned about the diagnosis. The clinical examination and comprehensive medical history are essential for the proper diagnosis of this disorder. Nevertheless, there are many major symptoms that are exclusive to narcolepsy, as several specialized tests can be performed in a sleep disorders clinic. If you are having problems with your sleep, you might need help from an expert. Make sure that you give enough attention and time for that.
Cause of narcolepsy may lead you to find the solution soon if you just act now.
Narcolepsy Treatment
Narcolepsy treatment is typically modified to suit the individual, based on symptoms and therapeutic reactions. Time is highly necessary to achieve optimal control of symptoms which may take for a couple of months or longer. Medication changes are also commonly required, and total control of symptoms is hardly possible. Oral medications are the mainstay of formal treatment but it is also important to make some lifestyle changes in order to make the treatment more effective.
Major treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness or EDS of this sleep disorder is with a group of drugs called central nervous system stimulants like Methylphenidate, racemicamphetamine, dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine or modafinil, a new stimulant having different pharmacologic mechanism. Other medications used are codeine, selgiline, atomoxetine a non stimulant and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor or NRI which has a small or no abuse potential.
For Cataplexy and other rapid eye movement or REM sleep symptoms are commonly with tricylic antidepressants such as clomipramine, imipramine or protriptyline, as well as other drugs which suppress REM sleep, Venlafaxine, a newer antidepressant that blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, had shown effectiveness in controlling symptoms of Cataplexy. But a recently approved medication by the U.S Food and Drugs Administration or FDA was specifically indicated for cataplexy the Gamma-hydroxybutyrate or GHB. This medication improves the quality of nocturnal sleep and also reduces symptoms of EDS.
Narcolepsy treatment with the above medications also includes schedules for short naps from ten to fifteen minutes two or three times a day in order to help control excessive daytime sleepiness. Constant communication between the health care provider, patient and their family is essential for better management of narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy treatment requires enough knowledge from the patient together with the family in order to make the management effective. It also helps them deal practically and emotionally with the narcoleptic during the occurrence of symptoms. Occupational limitations are possible to induce to the patient during treatment, in order to avoid possible injuries when symptoms begin. Individuals with narcolepsy should avoid jobs which require driving long distances, physical power, or alertness for lengthy period.
Narcolepsy treatment is not just by medications or through drugs but the fact is, it also strongly requires communication and awareness from the patient and in family.
The Knock-out of Narcolepsy
Caused by the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally, narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder that affects one in 2000 people.
This condition is characterized by excessive sleepiness and a tendency to fall sleep at inappropriate times.
For those suffering with narcolepsy, falling asleep for a few seconds to a few minutes is quite typical. Although more rare, these periods of falling asleep can last for an hour or even longer.
The episodes of falling asleep can occur without warning, making this a dangerous condition, since the falling asleep can occur at most inopportune times. Even the nighttime sleep can be affected in that sufferers can wake frequently throughout the night.
Although the exact cause of narcolepsy remains unknown, it appears to be hereditary, affecting both men and women of any age alike. However it is thought that many factors must combine in order to cause the neurological and sleep disturbances.
Unless detected and appropriately treated, narcolepsy can definitely have an adverse affect on your quality of life. But the true challenge is that typically diagnosing narcolepsy takes many years from the initial time of the onset of symptoms.
Two of the tests that are often used to diagnose narcolepsy are the polysomnogram and the multiple sleep latency test. When these tests are performed it is evident that people with narcolepsy fall asleep rapidly, enter REM sleep early, and may awaken often during the night.
Although there are several treatments for narcolepsy all are designed to treat the symptoms and not the cause itself since that remains elusive.
Narcolepsy is treatable but at this time it remains incurable. Often with trial and error, symptoms of narcolepsy can be managed in most people.
Education and information are the keys to learning to live with narcolepsy. Maintaining a set sleep and waking schedule, avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, and working with your physician to determine which medications are best to treat your symptoms are the wisest choices to help you best manage the ravages of narcolepsy. Stimulant medications may be prescribed for improving alertness and wakefulness, while antidepressants may be prescribed for controlling hallucinations, cataplexy, and sleep paralysis.
Narcolepsy can without a doubt adversely impact your everyday life. Depending on when and where you fall asleep it can even be a dangerous condition.
If you have been diagnosed with narcolepsy working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to help regain control of your life is the best thing you can do for yourself.