How is Narcolepsy Diagnosed?
Author: mzPOTTER
The diagnosis is relatively easy when all the symptoms of narcolepsy appear, but if you only have sleep attacks and cataplexy is mild or not, the diagnosis is more difficult and sometimes can be confused with other disorders.
Given that the diagnosis of narcolepsy is often delayed for many years, it is very important that the primary care physician has a current knowledge about sleep disorders and likewise the patient to provide adequate information about their symptoms. The doctor performed polygraphic sleep recording of the patient, Test Multiple Sleep Latency can also be made immunogenic evidence.
How is Narcolepsy?
There is no cure for narcolepsy, treatment attempts to control the symptoms that family life, social, occupational, or school of the patient. Treatment is individualized, depending on the severity of symptoms and patient characteristics. And symptoms of narcolepsy vary from one person to another, the response to medication varies.
Both the drugs the doctor prescribes and the patient’s lifestyle are very important. The main treatment for excessive sleepiness are the central nervous system stimulants. For cataplexy and other symptoms associated with REM sleep are prescribed antidepressants.
A program of short naps during the day to help control daytime sleepiness, although these should not replace sleep at night.at is
The communication between physician, patient/family on the response to treatment is necessary to achieve and maintain control of symptoms and to prevent or reduce side effects of treatment.