Can you have a slight case of narcolepsy?

A person with narcolepsy is extremely sleepy all the time and, in severe cases, falls asleep involuntarily several times every day. Narcolepsy is caused by a malfunction in a brain structure called the hypothalamus. Mild cases of narcolepsy can be managed with regular naps, while severe cases need medication.

How often is narcolepsy misdiagnosed?

In a physician survey and retrospective chart review study of 252 patients with narcolepsy, 60\% of patients had initially received a misdiagnosis of another disorder. The most common misdiagnoses included depression (~31\%), insomnia (~18\%), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (~13\%).

Can you be falsely diagnosed with narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a rare condition. About 1 in 2000 people in the US is estimated to have narcolepsy.

Can narcolepsy be diagnosed without Mslt?

In addition, several specialized tests, which can be performed in a sleep disorders clinic, are usually required before a diagnosis can be established. Two tests considered essential in confirming a diagnosis of narcolepsy are the: Polysomnogram (PSG) Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)

Can you just develop narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy Symptoms Can Appear at Any Age Many people with narcolepsy report having symptoms starting between ages 10 and 20, but it can develop as late as age 40 to 50.

Can Mslt be wrong?

Most likely, the majority of these MSLTs were falsely positive due to factors such as shift work, insufficient sleep, sleep apnea, or medications. Recent discontinuation of antidepressants or stimulants that suppress REM sleep may also produce multiple SOREMPs.

What is narcolepsy misdiagnosed as?

Narcolepsy in pediatric patients is often misdiagnosed as a more common medical condition, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, depression, syncope, or other sleep disorders.

Can a sleep study tell if you have narcolepsy?

If a doctor suspects narcolepsy, he or she will likely recommend sleep studies. These tests are essential to provide clear evidence of sleepiness, to examine the pattern of rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, and to determine whether other disorders might be contributing to a patient’s symptoms.

How do they test for narcolepsy?

The diagnosis of narcolepsy is usually supported by test results from a polysomnogram and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). A polysomnogram helps your physician assess brain activity during sleep, in particular, how frequently and when REM activity is occurring.

Can someone just develop narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy affects both males and females equally. Symptoms often start in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood (ages 7 to 25), but can occur at any time in life. It is estimated that anywhere from 135,000 to 200,000 people in the United States have narcolepsy.

How do you test for narcolepsy?

Testing usually consists of an overnight stay in a sleep laboratory for a test called a polysomnogram, followed the next day by the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (commonly known as the MSLT). A polysomnogram is a recording of brain waves, eye movements, muscle tone, and breathing across a night of sleep.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LITRQJbUl68