Narcolepsy (cont.)
Medical Author:
Selim R Benbadis, MD
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
Narcolepsy CausesNarcolepsy is believed to result from a genetic predisposition and abnormal neurotransmitter (hypocretin, also known as orexin) functioning and sensitivity. Genetic predisposition Understanding of narcolepsy stems primarily from research involving narcoleptic dogs (for example, special laboratory-bred Dobermans and Labradors). In these animal models, the disorder is transmitted in an autosomal recessive fashion and is characterized mainly by cataplexy. Only 1% of human cases are inherited and, unlike the canine form, are transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner. Neurotransmitter The neurotransmitter hypocretin was identified in the last few years and is strongly associated with narcolepsy in dogs with a genetic predisposition. Hypocretin levels in human subjects with narcolepsy have been found to be undetectable or low in several recent studies of patients with narcolepsy. Hypocretin appears to modulate activity in the hypothalamus (the part of the brain associated with sleep). The deficiency of hypocretin might produce sleep attacks. The drug modafinil (Provigil) is useful in the treatment of narcolepsy is believed to activate hypocretin-containing nerve cells.Must Read Articles Related to Narcolepsy
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Narcolepsy is characterized by the classic tetrad of excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.
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