A professional healthcare provider may suspect narcolepsy based on the presence of specific symptoms. To make a definitive diagnosis, specialized diagnostic tests are needed. These tests are necessary because this condition shares symptoms with other brain and sleep-related conditions. Before undergoing the main diagnostic tests for narcolepsy, a healthcare provider will typically ensure that the individual is getting sufficient sleep by tracking their sleep-wake pattern. This may involve the use of simple sleep-tracking methods. Additional tests for diagnosing the condition are a sleep study, lumbar puncture, MSLT, and maintenance of wakefulness test.
Treatment Options
Once all these tests have been done and the diagnosis is, indeed, narcolepsy, the right treatment plan can be set up. There are several ways to treat it. Most of these treatments focus on excessive daytime sleepiness. Medication options include:
- Wakefulness medications
- Amphetamines and amphetamine-like stimulants
- Antidepressants
- Sodium oxybate
- Histamine-affecting drugs
Although currently available medications may help some people with narcolepsy achieve a more consistent level of alertness. It’s not always possible to fully normalize alertness in all patients through drug therapy alone. It’s important for patients to also make lifestyle changes to manage the condition. Some strategies that may be helpful include:
- Take short naps
- Maintain a regular sleep pattern
- Avoid caffeine or alcohol (before bed)
- Quit/avoid smoking
- Exercise every day
- Don’t eat large/heavy meals before bedtime
- Relax before bedtime
Narcolepsy is a rare but serious condition with possible life-threatening complications. Make sure to contact your professional healthcare provider when you suspect you’re suffering from this! The right treatment can help you feel better. For more information on narcolepsy and possible treatment options, continue your online search here:
