Understanding Narcolepsy; Symptoms, Causes And Treatments

Causes And Risk Factors

Most diagnosed cases of narcolepsy are caused by a lack of the hormone orexin, which regulates an individual's sleep-wake cycle, though not all cases are caused by a lack of orexin. Many factors can increase the risk of narcolepsy including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, a change in sleeping patterns, an infection, or having the Pandemrix vaccination. The Pandemrix vaccine was used to treat swine flu in children during the epidemic between 2009 and 2010.

However, research has shown one out of fifty-two-thousand developed narcolepsy after receiving the vaccination. As a result, Pandemrix is no longer given to those under twenty years old. Other factors that may play a role in developing narcolepsy include head injuries, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and encephalitis. It has been reported damage to the areas of the brain that produce the hormone orexin can result in the development of the disorder.

How Does Diagnosing Narcolepsy Work?

A physical examination and detailed medical history are essential for the proper diagnosis of narcolepsy, as they can identify possible neurological conditions that may cause the symptoms. Although none of the significant signs remain exclusive to narcolepsy, type one narcolepsy is the easiest to diagnose due to having cataplexy as a symptom, which occurs in almost no other diseases.

Two tests can be performed at a sleep disorder clinic, and are usually required before a diagnosis can be determined. A polysomnogram (PSG) is an overnight test that monitors abnormalities in the REM cycle while the patient is asleep. The second test is the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), which is performed during the day to measure the patient's tendency to fall asleep. This test determines whether or not REM sleep intrudes at inappropriate times of the day.