Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy

Overview

 

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that leads to excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden onset of sleep.  Often times, patients will have complete loss of muscle tone that leads to muscle weakness. Patients may describe vivid dreams or hallucinations when falling asleep or when awakening. Narcolepsy usually begins in the teens and twenties but occasionally as early as the age of five or after forty.


Causes

  • Exact cause unknown

  • May be due to chemical imbalance in the brain (low hypocretin levels)

  • Genetics (20 – 40X higher risk with family history)

Symptoms

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

  • Sudden onset of muscle weakness usually triggered by strong emotions

  • Vivid hallucinations while falling asleep or upon awakening

  • Inability to move immediately after awakening

Diagnosis

  • Sleep history and physical examination

  • Epworth sleepiness score

  • Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)

  • Sleep study

Treatment

  • Non-pharmacologic (scheduled napping, avoidance of certain drugs, psychosocial support group)

  • Pharmacologic (stimulants, antidepressants)

  • Lifestyle (good sleep hygiene, avoiding alcohol

 Patient Resources and Education

 

 


Dr. Vakil is wonderful. His office staff is friendly, competent, and respond in a very timely fashion. I chose him as my pulmonologist because I was once an RN for his critical patients in the hospital. He is a great physician! Kind, caring, has a great bedside manner, and always was great with the nursing staff as well. His care has made a huge difference in my chronic, lifelong respiratory issues. 10/10.
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Angela W.
Dr. Vakil is very knowledgeable and he spent time to listen to me and laid out my symptom in facts. His staff is wonderful too. I highly recommended Dr. Vakil.
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Huimin Z. (Zocdoc)
Dr. Vakil was friendly, listened to my comments, asked good questions, and helped me understand things. He came up with a plan of action.
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Thomas H. (Zocdoc)
He was great. He asked plenty of questions concerning the reason for the visit. He was attentive to my issue and took his time to explain possible reasons for my symptoms. I would definitely recommend him!
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Dayana R. (Zocdoc)
Dr. Vakil was very attentive. He explained everything in detail. He did not seem rushed like many other physicians do. His staff is also very nice and I was able to get an appointment the day after I called. I will definitely be following up with Dr. Vakil and I recommend him to anyone who needs a pulmonologist.
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Anonymous (Vitals.com)
Staff can be nice. Dr. Vakil can be very thorough and has great bedside manners. There is a particular person that I always love coming across, her name is Patricia. She gives me great positive vibes and is very professional. Great doctor and staff can go along way.
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Yhas V.
I just moved to Texas and was nervous about starting with a new doctor. I have sleep issues and needed a new cpap machine. Lily and Patricia worked with me on the whole process. Dr. Vakil was very patient and caring. They together got me set up fast. I am very happy with the outcome. Would recommend!!! Loving Texas!!!
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Christina G.
Everyone is always so kind and helpful. Patricia stood out and is always of great help. Dr.Vakil as able to explain things very well, he is compassionate, considerate, kind and has great bed side manners.
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Sasha V.
I was quickly seen by Dr. Vakil and after our discussion he suggested a plan of action for me to follow. In addition, I forgot my credit card at home. Patricia was very nice and accepted a picture of my credit card as payment for my visit. Unfortunately, the parking attendant was not able accept a picture of my credit card. Without me even asking Patricia offered to loan me the money to pay for my parking fee. It is so refreshing to find someone that trusted another human being that they barely knew.
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Brice C.
Dr. Vakil is professional and personable. His staff is very professional and warm. If you need a lung doctor he is the way to go.
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Nancee M.
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