NARCOLEPSY

Course overview

Narcolepsy, a chronic neurological disorder caused by brain malfunction in regulating sleep-wake cycles, is characterized by a variable combination of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), the sudden, brief loss of voluntary muscle tone, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations as one is falling asleep, and hypnopompic hallucinations as one is waking up, and disturbed nocturnal sleep. Episodes of cataplexy and paralysis are extremely frightening, and episodes of cataplexy involving complete loss of muscle tone can lead to serious injury. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of narcolepsy, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.