narcolepsy /när″kəlep′sē/ [Gk, narke, stupor, lambanein, to seize] , a syndrome characterized by sudden sleep attacks, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and visual or auditory hallucinations at the onset of sleep. The syndrome begins in adolescence or young adulthood and persists throughout life. Its cause is unknown, and it is not related to pathological lesions in the brain. Also called sleep epilepsy. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Persons with narcolepsy experience an uncontrollable desire to sleep, sometimes many times in one day. Episodes may last from a few minutes to several hours. Momentary loss of muscle tone occurs during waking hours (cataplexy) or while the person is asleep. Narcolepsy may be difficult to diagnose because all people with the disorder do not experience all four symptoms. An electroencephalogram or other brain studies may be used to distinguish narcolepsy from an intracranial mass or encephalitis. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Amphetamines and other stimulant drugs are prescribed effectively to prevent the attacks. Evaluation and treatment by a sleep evaluation center is warranted. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Narcolepsy can negatively affect an individual both socially and professionally.
