What is type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy?
Narcolepsy with cataplexy or narcolepsy type 1 in a rare, disabling sleep disorder, with a prevalence of 20 to 30 per 100,000. Its onset peaks in the second decade. The main features are excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy or sudden less of muscle tone triggered by emotional situations.
What is narcolepsy with cataplexy?
The sleepiness combined with muscle weakness is called narcolepsy with cataplexy. It’s not dangerous, but the sudden attacks of sleepiness and weakness can have a big impact on your quality of life.
How does cataplexy feel?
Cataplexy is sudden muscle weakness triggered by strong emotions like embarrassment, laughter, surprise, or anger. Cataplexy can cause your head to drop, your face to droop, your jaw to weaken, or your knees to give way. Attacks can also affect your whole body and cause you to fall down.
What is the treatment for cataplexy?
Sodium oxybate at doses between 6 and 9 grams (g) nightly is the medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cataplexy. Sodium oxybate is effective in reducing both the frequency and intensity of attacks.
What does cataplexy look like?
How do you stop cataplexy?
There is no cure for cataplexy, and treatment is symptom management with good sleep hygiene practices and the use of medication as necessary. Additionally, safety measures should be put in place to avoid serious injury that can result from falls.
How do you get rid of cataplexy?
These older antidepressants, such as protriptyline (Vivactil), imipramine (Tofranil) and clomipramine (Anafranil), are effective for cataplexy, but many people complain of side effects, such as dry mouth and lightheadedness. Sodium oxybate (Xyrem). This medication is highly effective for cataplexy.
Is cataplexy a disability?
Your Legal Rights. Narcolepsy is a recognized disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under this law, your employer must make reasonable accommodations, like letting you adjust your schedule or take brief rest breaks, to deal with your narcolepsy symptoms.
Can narcolepsy change your personality?
Children and adolescents with narcolepsy often present with changes in personality and behaviour, irritability or aggression, poor school performance and have significantly higher rates of depression.
Does narcolepsy affect memory?
Secondary narcolepsy is a severe neurological condition that can lead to irregular sleep cycles as well as memory loss and mood disorders.
Can narcolepsy turn into schizophrenia?
The hypersomnia and disrupted sleep-wake cycle in narcolepsy can lead to unusual behaviors and significant disability, which can be similar to the disorganized behaviors of schizophrenia.