How do doctors test for narcolepsy?

The diagnosis of narcolepsy is usually supported by test results from a polysomnogram and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). A polysomnogram helps your physician assess brain activity during sleep, in particular, how frequently and when REM activity is occurring.

How do doctors tell if you have narcolepsy?

Research has shown that measuring the level of hypocretin in your cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, can be useful in diagnosing narcolepsy. To measure your level of hypocretin, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is removed using a needle during a procedure called a lumbar puncture.

Is there a blood test for narcolepsy?

In addition to the above, Stanford Sleep Specialists will commonly performed a blood genetic test for narcolepsy if they suspect hypocretin deficiency called Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) DQB1*06:02 typing.

What are the 5 signs of narcolepsy?

What can be mistaken for narcolepsy?

How is Narcolepsy Diagnosed

What triggers narcolepsy?

Things that have been suggested as possible triggers of narcolepsy include: hormonal changes, which can occur during puberty or the menopause. major psychological stress. an infection, such as swine flu, or the medicine used to vaccinate against it (Pandemrix)

When should you suspect narcolepsy?

Your health care provider may suspect narcolepsy based on your symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden loss of muscle tone, known as cataplexy. Your provider will likely refer you to a sleep specialist. Formal diagnosis requires staying overnight at a sleep center for an in-depth sleep analysis.

How many hours do narcoleptics sleep?

In addition to experiencing the typical symptoms of narcolepsy, individuals may also have severe neurological problems and sleep for long periods (more than 10 hours) each night.

Can I have narcolepsy and not know it?

Narcolepsy, a relatively rare and poorly understood neurological condition, can be hard to diagnose. Julea Steiner was misdiagnosed for years before a sleep study helped doctors recognize her symptoms—excessive daytime sleepiness, vivid dreams, hallucinations, and mild cataplexy—as narcolepsy.

How many hours of sleep does someone with narcolepsy need?

In addition to any of the typical narcolepsy symptoms, people with secondary narcolepsy also have severe neurological problems and require large amounts (>10 hours) of sleep. To understand the symptoms of narcolepsy, it helps to first understand how sleep happens normally.

Can you test for narcolepsy at home?

A home sleep test cannot detect narcolepsy

HSATs/HSTs do not screen for narcolepsy, and, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, should not even be used to check for sleep apnea in children or in people who may have other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy.

Can a regular doctor diagnose narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy must be diagnosed by a health professional. A medical doctor — normally your primary care physician (PCP) — coordinates the diagnostic process.

Does narcolepsy show on EEG?

Conclusions: In narcolepsy, the presence of cataplexy and HLA positivity are associated with EEG slowing during wakefulness and increased fast EEG activity during REM sleep, REM-related symptoms and disrupted nocturnal sleep in narcolepsy.

Do I have narcolepsy or am I just tired?

Excessive daytime sleepiness is usually the first sign of narcolepsy. It can have a significant impact on everyday life. Feeling drowsy throughout the day and struggling to stay awake makes it difficult to concentrate at work or school. People with narcolepsy may be misjudged as being lazy or rude.

Do narcoleptics sleep a lot?

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 is a mild case of narcolepsy?

A person with narcolepsy is extremely sleepy all the time and, in severe cases, falls asleep involuntarily several times every day. Narcolepsy is caused by a malfunction in a brain structure called the hypothalamus. Mild cases of narcolepsy can be managed with regular naps, while severe cases need medication.

What does a narcoleptic episode feel like?

Narcolepsy symptoms usually first occur between age 15 and 30 years. Below are the most common symptoms. You may feel a strong urge to sleep, often followed by a period of sleep. You can't control when you fall asleep.

What happens if narcolepsy goes untreated?

When left untreated, narcolepsy can be socially disabling and isolating. It often leads to the onset of depression. Type 2 diabetes mellitus may occur more often in people with narcolepsy. Making lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms.

What age does narcolepsy peak?

The onset of narcolepsy can occur anytime between early childhood and 50 years of age. Two peak time periods have been identified; one around 15 years of age and another around 36 years of age.

Does melatonin help with narcolepsy?

But if you have narcolepsy, your sleep/wake cycle may not be properly regulated. Research shows that taking melatonin supplements can help regulate and induce sleep, increase rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time, and improve sleep quality. You can buy melatonin in pill form over the counter.

Does caffeine help narcolepsy?

Consider your caffeine use.

Some people with narcolepsy find coffee or other caffeinated beverages helpful to staying awake. For others, coffee is ineffective, or, in combination with stimulant medications, it can cause jitteriness, diarrhea, anxiety, or a racing heart.

Can an MRI detect narcolepsy?

Imaging studies such as MRI are useful for excluding rare causes of symptomatic narcolepsy. Structural abnormalities of the brain stem and diencephalon may present as idiopathic narcolepsy. In patients with secondary narcolepsy, MRI of the brain may show various abnormalities that correspond to the underlying cause.

What is the gold standard for diagnosing narcolepsy?

Whenever possible, the diagnosis of narcolepsy should be confirmed by polysomnography (PSG) followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT); the MSLT should show sleep latency 8 minutes or less and 2 or more sleep-onset REM periods (SOREMPs).

What puts you at risk for narcolepsy?

Causes and risk factors

Your family history or environment can raise your risk of narcolepsy. Narcolepsy may also occur after an upper airway infection or, rarely, because of a head injury, sarcoidosis, a stroke, or another medical condition.