Narcolepsy Definition: A Basic Overview
By Monica E. Tocco
Not many people are aware of the real narcolepsy facts. There are lots of common misconceptions about the condition; it is thought to be the result of bad lifestyle choices or overextending oneself, or simply an overblown term for laziness. However, none of these explanations even begin to describe the truth. What follows is a rundown of the reality of the condition, and what suffering from it truly means.
Let's go over the essential narcolepsy definition. The brain of a sufferer can't control the body's sleep cycles; it's a central nervous system disorder. The disorder manifests itself in a range of symptoms, the three main ones being excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, and sleep paralysis.
EDS can be characterized as perpetual sleepiness, depressed moods, inattentiveness, and general ennui. Often it is is punctuated by sudden sleep episodes, or "attacks," over which the sufferer has no control. The durations of sleep attacks vary, but they can be as brief as a few seconds or a couple of minutes. The next two symptoms, cataplexy and sleep paralysis, are similar in that they both involve a temporary loss of muscular control. Cataplexy is usually triggered by strong emotions; it happens during the waking cycle and can range in severity from an unnoticeable tic to a full-body collapse. It is often misinterpreted as a seizure, meaning that lots of narcoleptics are misdiagnosed with epilepsy. Sleep paralysis takes place during the victim's sleep cycle; it includes a full-body collapse and often terrifying hallucinations. The poor narcoleptic is fully aware for both of these ordeals. This fact is perhaps one of the nastiest parts of the narcolepsy facts.
The under-diagnosis of the condition is the main reason for the fogginess surrounding the narcolepsy definition. As many as 200,000 U.S. citizens are thought to be narcoleptic, but fewer than 50,000 are recognized and treated. This is because the disease is often mistaken for other things - laziness, drug abuse, or general exhaustion. This is complicated by the fact that many narcoleptics experience their first symptoms during the formative years of adolescence. When adolescent narcoleptics are not diagnosed, however, their suffering is greatly amplified. You can't really hold down a job or an academic career if you're prone to sudden sleep attacks. The inability to stay awake during lectures and meetings, not to mention while driving, can severely impair a narcoleptic's ability to function in the everyday world.
The condition as of yet has no cure, but there are several effective maintenance treatments. Doctors tend to treat symptoms individually, as there is no all-in-one wonder pill. Stimulants, like methylphenidate, are a popular method of treatment for EDS. It's been observed that cataplexy can be controlled by the use of various antidepressants. Sometimes, a strong sedative is also prescribed in extremely controlled doses to help the patient sleep at night. If you suspect narcolepsy in anyone you know, don't wait another minute.
Let's go over the essential narcolepsy definition. The brain of a sufferer can't control the body's sleep cycles; it's a central nervous system disorder. The disorder manifests itself in a range of symptoms, the three main ones being excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, and sleep paralysis.
EDS can be characterized as perpetual sleepiness, depressed moods, inattentiveness, and general ennui. Often it is is punctuated by sudden sleep episodes, or "attacks," over which the sufferer has no control. The durations of sleep attacks vary, but they can be as brief as a few seconds or a couple of minutes. The next two symptoms, cataplexy and sleep paralysis, are similar in that they both involve a temporary loss of muscular control. Cataplexy is usually triggered by strong emotions; it happens during the waking cycle and can range in severity from an unnoticeable tic to a full-body collapse. It is often misinterpreted as a seizure, meaning that lots of narcoleptics are misdiagnosed with epilepsy. Sleep paralysis takes place during the victim's sleep cycle; it includes a full-body collapse and often terrifying hallucinations. The poor narcoleptic is fully aware for both of these ordeals. This fact is perhaps one of the nastiest parts of the narcolepsy facts.
The under-diagnosis of the condition is the main reason for the fogginess surrounding the narcolepsy definition. As many as 200,000 U.S. citizens are thought to be narcoleptic, but fewer than 50,000 are recognized and treated. This is because the disease is often mistaken for other things - laziness, drug abuse, or general exhaustion. This is complicated by the fact that many narcoleptics experience their first symptoms during the formative years of adolescence. When adolescent narcoleptics are not diagnosed, however, their suffering is greatly amplified. You can't really hold down a job or an academic career if you're prone to sudden sleep attacks. The inability to stay awake during lectures and meetings, not to mention while driving, can severely impair a narcoleptic's ability to function in the everyday world.
The condition as of yet has no cure, but there are several effective maintenance treatments. Doctors tend to treat symptoms individually, as there is no all-in-one wonder pill. Stimulants, like methylphenidate, are a popular method of treatment for EDS. It's been observed that cataplexy can be controlled by the use of various antidepressants. Sometimes, a strong sedative is also prescribed in extremely controlled doses to help the patient sleep at night. If you suspect narcolepsy in anyone you know, don't wait another minute.
About the Author:
Narcolepsy definition and facts are mandatory to understand your sleep disorder. Seeking for information about Narcolepsy in general is crucial to help you live with your condition. If you need more information on the matter, click this link.
By Monica E. Tocco
Not many people are aware of the real narcolepsy facts. There are lots of common misconceptions about the condition; it is thought to be the result of bad lifestyle choices or overextending oneself, or simply an overblown term for laziness. However, none of these explanations even begin to describe the truth. What follows is a rundown of the reality of the condition, and what suffering from it truly means.
Let's go over the essential narcolepsy definition. The brain of a sufferer can't control the body's sleep cycles; it's a central nervous system disorder. The disorder manifests itself in a range of symptoms, the three main ones being excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, and sleep paralysis.
EDS can be characterized as perpetual sleepiness, depressed moods, inattentiveness, and general ennui. Often it is is punctuated by sudden sleep episodes, or "attacks," over which the sufferer has no control. The durations of sleep attacks vary, but they can be as brief as a few seconds or a couple of minutes. The next two symptoms, cataplexy and sleep paralysis, are similar in that they both involve a temporary loss of muscular control. Cataplexy is usually triggered by strong emotions; it happens during the waking cycle and can range in severity from an unnoticeable tic to a full-body collapse. It is often misinterpreted as a seizure, meaning that lots of narcoleptics are misdiagnosed with epilepsy. Sleep paralysis takes place during the victim's sleep cycle; it includes a full-body collapse and often terrifying hallucinations. The poor narcoleptic is fully aware for both of these ordeals. This fact is perhaps one of the nastiest parts of the narcolepsy facts.
The under-diagnosis of the condition is the main reason for the fogginess surrounding the narcolepsy definition. As many as 200,000 U.S. citizens are thought to be narcoleptic, but fewer than 50,000 are recognized and treated. This is because the disease is often mistaken for other things - laziness, drug abuse, or general exhaustion. This is complicated by the fact that many narcoleptics experience their first symptoms during the formative years of adolescence. When adolescent narcoleptics are not diagnosed, however, their suffering is greatly amplified. You can't really hold down a job or an academic career if you're prone to sudden sleep attacks. The inability to stay awake during lectures and meetings, not to mention while driving, can severely impair a narcoleptic's ability to function in the everyday world.
The condition as of yet has no cure, but there are several effective maintenance treatments. Doctors tend to treat symptoms individually, as there is no all-in-one wonder pill. Stimulants, like methylphenidate, are a popular method of treatment for EDS. It's been observed that cataplexy can be controlled by the use of various antidepressants. Sometimes, a strong sedative is also prescribed in extremely controlled doses to help the patient sleep at night. If you suspect narcolepsy in anyone you know, don't wait another minute.
Let's go over the essential narcolepsy definition. The brain of a sufferer can't control the body's sleep cycles; it's a central nervous system disorder. The disorder manifests itself in a range of symptoms, the three main ones being excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, and sleep paralysis.
EDS can be characterized as perpetual sleepiness, depressed moods, inattentiveness, and general ennui. Often it is is punctuated by sudden sleep episodes, or "attacks," over which the sufferer has no control. The durations of sleep attacks vary, but they can be as brief as a few seconds or a couple of minutes. The next two symptoms, cataplexy and sleep paralysis, are similar in that they both involve a temporary loss of muscular control. Cataplexy is usually triggered by strong emotions; it happens during the waking cycle and can range in severity from an unnoticeable tic to a full-body collapse. It is often misinterpreted as a seizure, meaning that lots of narcoleptics are misdiagnosed with epilepsy. Sleep paralysis takes place during the victim's sleep cycle; it includes a full-body collapse and often terrifying hallucinations. The poor narcoleptic is fully aware for both of these ordeals. This fact is perhaps one of the nastiest parts of the narcolepsy facts.
The under-diagnosis of the condition is the main reason for the fogginess surrounding the narcolepsy definition. As many as 200,000 U.S. citizens are thought to be narcoleptic, but fewer than 50,000 are recognized and treated. This is because the disease is often mistaken for other things - laziness, drug abuse, or general exhaustion. This is complicated by the fact that many narcoleptics experience their first symptoms during the formative years of adolescence. When adolescent narcoleptics are not diagnosed, however, their suffering is greatly amplified. You can't really hold down a job or an academic career if you're prone to sudden sleep attacks. The inability to stay awake during lectures and meetings, not to mention while driving, can severely impair a narcoleptic's ability to function in the everyday world.
The condition as of yet has no cure, but there are several effective maintenance treatments. Doctors tend to treat symptoms individually, as there is no all-in-one wonder pill. Stimulants, like methylphenidate, are a popular method of treatment for EDS. It's been observed that cataplexy can be controlled by the use of various antidepressants. Sometimes, a strong sedative is also prescribed in extremely controlled doses to help the patient sleep at night. If you suspect narcolepsy in anyone you know, don't wait another minute.
About the Author:
Narcolepsy definition and facts are mandatory to understand your sleep disorder. Seeking for information about Narcolepsy in general is crucial to help you live with your condition. If you need more information on the matter, click this link.
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