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Narcolepsy

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Primary Care Sleep Medicine

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Abstract

Narcolepsy means “to be seized by sleep” and is a relatively rare neurological sleep disorder that is the bane of those afflicted, yet provides a window on the neuromechanisms and functions of sleep. This chapter reviews and examines narcolepsy characteristics, incidence, symptoms, differentiating tests, and appropriate treatment options. Recent evidence is reviewed for the causes and neuromechanisms of narcolepsy and a theoretical triggering neurophysiological mechanism of cataplexy is also discussed. The impact of narcolepsy on day-to-day living and the extraordinary impact of optimal treatment can have positive life altering benefit for some, if not most narcoleptic patients reported from several cases. Finally, some helpful tips regarding physician responsibilities to patients and the public, contact information for the success program for Xyrem, and patient contact information for the Narcolepsy Network are provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sleep-Alertness Disorders Center-Consultants, Inc, 1390 S. Potomac St. Ste. 110, Aurora, CO, 80012, USA

    Lawrence Scrima Ph.D., Diplomate, A.B.S.M., F.A.A.S.M.

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  1. Lawrence Scrima Ph.D., Diplomate, A.B.S.M., F.A.A.S.M.
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Correspondence to Lawrence Scrima Ph.D., Diplomate, A.B.S.M., F.A.A.S.M. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sleep Disorders Center, Pueblo, Colorado, USA

    James F. Pagel

  2. Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine / Center for Healthful Behavior Change, New York, New York, USA

    S. R. Pandi-Perumal

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Scrima, L. (2014). Narcolepsy. In: Pagel, J., Pandi-Perumal, S. (eds) Primary Care Sleep Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1185-1_25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1185-1_25

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