Narcolepsy Symptomatic

Narcolepsy Symptomatic: Understanding and Symptoms

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by dysregulation of sleep and wakefulness. This condition is caused by a deficiency of the neuropeptide hypocretin, also known as orexin. However, in addition to the classic form of narcolepsy, there is also a subtype known as symptomatic narcolepsy or narcoleptic syndrome.

Symptomatic narcolepsy differs from classic narcolepsy in that its symptoms are caused by other factors or diseases. This may be the result of head injury, infection, brain tumors, or other medical conditions that affect the normal function of the hypothalamus, which regulates sleep and wakefulness.

The main symptoms of symptomatic narcolepsy are:

1. Pervasive daytime sleepiness: People with symptomatic narcolepsy experience an overwhelming need to sleep during the day. This can lead to involuntary sleep episodes, which can occur at any time and in any environment.

2. Cataplexy: This is a condition in which a person loses muscle tone due to emotional arousal such as laughter, anger or fear. Cataplexy can range from partial loss of muscle control to complete loss of body control.

3. Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations: People with symptomatic narcolepsy may experience vivid and realistic hallucinations when falling asleep (hypnagogic hallucinations) or waking up (hypnopompic hallucinations). These hallucinations can be visual, auditory or tactile.

4. Sleep with interrupted breathing: Some people with symptomatic narcolepsy may have sleep with interrupted breathing, which leads to decreased sleep quality and frequent awakenings.

The diagnosis of symptomatic narcolepsy can be difficult because its symptoms may overlap with other medical conditions. If symptomatic narcolepsy is suspected, it is important to perform a comprehensive medical evaluation, including sleep analysis, neurological tests, and hypothalamic examinations.

Treatment of symptomatic narcolepsy is usually aimed at symptomatic relief and improving the patient's quality of life. Involves a combination of drug therapy and non-drug approaches.

Drug therapy may include the use of stimulants such as amphetamines or modafinil, which help combat daytime sleepiness and increase wakefulness. Antidepressants may be prescribed to control cataplexy. Sleeping pills are sometimes used to help improve the quality of sleep at night.

In addition to drug therapy, non-drug approaches are also important. For patients with symptomatic narcolepsy, a regular sleep-wake schedule is recommended, including regular daytime naps and scheduled rest periods. It is also important to create a suitable sleeping environment, such as a quiet and dark room.

Lifestyle can also influence the symptoms of symptomatic narcolepsy. Patients are advised to avoid drinking alcohol and eating large meals before bed as this may worsen symptoms. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet may also be helpful.

Symptomatic narcolepsy is a serious condition that can significantly affect the patient's quality of life. It is important to seek medical help and receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. Following your doctor's recommendations, including taking medications and making lifestyle changes, can help manage symptoms and achieve better control of symptomatic narcolepsy.

In conclusion, symptomatic narcolepsy is a form of sleep-wake disorder caused by other factors or diseases. Understanding the symptoms and available treatments is important to ensure the most effective management of this condition and improve patients' quality of life. Contacting qualified medical specialists will help in making a diagnosis and developing an individual treatment plan.

Narcolepsy is a neuropsychiatric disorder in which a person develops attacks of lethargy. In a state of stupor, a sick person does not control his movements and actions, stops thinking coherently and is so depressed that he may even stop breathing. The first symptom of an attack is impaired memory. A person does not remember what happened before falling asleep, and sometimes he can forget about the very fact of fainting. Against the background of stupor, other symptoms appear at any age. They directly depend on where people are at the moment of fainting. If the attack occurs in the evening, it will be more like a nightmare or a daydream. Sudden awakening is impossible, since the person who has taken a nap is forced to close his eyes by falling asleep. An attack of sleep occurs at night, when darkness sets in - the eyes do not respond to stimuli and stick together. By all means, before you fall asleep, it's time to sleep. And then a strange continuation of the plot follows: everything turns off and the feeling of heaviness increases. The body becomes unruly, as if under a heavy load or shell, fuses with the chair with the help of clamps and inseparably begins to perceive discomfort from tension in the muscles, uncomfortable posture, stuffiness, pain in the head. All these sensations are accompanied by “falling asleep in flight.” Now patients do not feel support under their feet or see this phenomenon in slow motion. The syndromes accompanying cataplexy in the form of drowsiness, rapid muscle relaxation and soreness throughout the body are very severe and noticeable, despite their instantaneity. Many patients with narcolepsy syndrome experience attacks of suffocation and lack of air. Therefore, it is important for people with this disease to be disciplined and know the signs of an approaching sleepwalking attack. It is very important to take measures in time and prevent the appearance of symptoms of pathology.