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Narcolepsy

     

Narcolepsy is a brain condition which is chronic in nature. It can affect the brain and it cannot control the sleep-wake up cycles. People who suffer from narcolepsy often feel periods of extreme sleepiness during the day and these sudden sleepiness feelings are very irresistible in nature. It can be rightly called as sleep attacks. These attacks can last for several seconds to several minutes.

Complications of Narcolepsy

There are many complications that can occur with Narcolepsy. It can affect the daily activities to a great extent.

  1.  People suffering can fall asleep at work or at school suddenly.
  2. It can occur during conversation, game, meals, etc.
  3. It is dangerous since it can occur while driving, operating some big risky machine, etc.
  4. Sometimes, the person can become limp or unable to move.
  5. The person also sees some dreams or he might hallucinate.

There are other complications such as sleep deprivation, other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, sleep talking which are present in people with Narcolepsy. These people although it seems they sleep more, often end up sleeping less than normal individuals due to the presence of other associated sleep disorders.

Statistics around Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy can occur in both males and female with equal frequency and all across the world. The symptoms are generally seen in early childhood or adolescence. This condition is a life long condition which is not rare. But it often goes unrecognized and undiagnosed. Narcolepsy is currently affecting about 1 in 3000 person across the world.

Causes of Narcolepsy

The causes of Narcolepsy is undetermined and it is often genetic in nature. It can be a growth anomaly.

Cure for Nacrolepsy

Narcolepsy does not have any cure yet. The symptoms can be controlled by the help of medication and lifestyle changes. Drug treatment – like Modafinil (a stimulant to help you stay awake during the day) and sodium oxybate approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration are used for the symptomatic treatment of narcolepsy.


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