narcolepsy

(năr′kō-lĕp″sē )

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[Gr. narke, numbness, + lepsis, seizure]
A disorder marked by recurrent, uncontrollable attacks of daytime sleepiness, often associated with temporary muscular paralysis (cataplexy), which may occur after powerful emotional experiences. People affected by this condition may have several sleep attacks each day. Typically, narcoleptic patients arouse from sleep relatively easily.
narcoleptic (năr-kō-lĕp′tĭk )
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, adj.

ETIOLOGY
Narcolepsy occurs in families, and about 90% of affected people have specific human leukocyte antigens (HLA-DQw6 or HLA-DR2). People with one type of narcolepsy have diminished levels of peptides in the brain, called orexins, that influence sleep and consciousness.

TREATMENT
Drugs used to treat narcolepsy include modafinil and sodium oxybate, among others.

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