Narcolepsy Diagnosed and Treated by Respected Mercy Sleep Specialists

Doctors at The Lung Center at Mercy in Baltimore, Maryland specialize in sleep disorders, offering diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering from narcolepsy.

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About Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects how the brain controls the body's sleep cycle. Patients who have narcolepsy find it difficult to stay awake throughout the day and can suddenly fall asleep. This can cause problems during their daily routines. Narcolepsy can run in family histories and although it can happen to anyone, it is most prevalent in children and young adults.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms of narcolepsy usually begin between the ages of 15 and 25, but it is possible to start experiencing symptoms at a much younger or older age. Symptoms may include:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Hallucinations
  • Fragmented sleep
  • Memory problems
  • Sudden loss in muscle tone (cataplexy)
  • Sleep paralysis

Narcolepsy is not a common sleep problem and may be difficult to diagnose. A sleep medicine physician with experience in sleep disorders will usually make a diagnosis of narcolepsy. The doctor may use the following to confirm a patient's narcolepsy diagnosis:

  • Sleep study
  • Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
  • Hypocretin level measurement
Treatment Options for Narcolepsy
There is no cure for narcolepsy. However, it can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes. It may take some time to find the most optimal individual treatment option to alleviate symptoms. These options include:
  • Medication
  • Lifestyle changes and adjustments
  • Good sleeping habits
The Lung Center at Mercy offers highly-skilled physician expertise for the treatment of a broad spectrum of pulmonary disorders, including COPD, lung cancer, hemoptysis, pleural effusions and sleep disorders.