Narcolepsy Recognition and Management

Date of Award

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Timothy Besse

Abstract

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurodegenerative condition with variable clinical presentation and severity in which it affects patients. Typical case presentation includes EDS, cataplexy, sleep attacks and paralysis which have devastating psychosocial and mental health consequences. The pathophysiology of NT1 is understood to be caused by a deficit in orexin. Currently, PSG and MSLT are the most widely employed diagnostic tools, in addition to CSF orexin levels. Treatment options are plenty, most commonly being the stimulant modafinil and adding sodium oxybate to target cataplexy.

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Narcolepsy Recognition and Management

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurodegenerative condition with variable clinical presentation and severity in which it affects patients. Typical case presentation includes EDS, cataplexy, sleep attacks and paralysis which have devastating psychosocial and mental health consequences. The pathophysiology of NT1 is understood to be caused by a deficit in orexin. Currently, PSG and MSLT are the most widely employed diagnostic tools, in addition to CSF orexin levels. Treatment options are plenty, most commonly being the stimulant modafinil and adding sodium oxybate to target cataplexy.