Narcolepsy Specialists in Chandigarh

Do all people with narcolepsy experience cataplexy?

No, only those with narcolepsy type 1 experience cataplexy, the sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions like laughter; narcolepsy type 2 causes excessive daytime sleepiness without this feature.

Is narcolepsy hereditary?

Genetic predisposition combined with an autoimmune process that destroys hypocretin-producing brain cells is believed to underlie most cases, and while it can run in families to some degree, most cases occur without a clear family history.

Can narcolepsy be cured?

There is no cure, but stimulant medications for daytime sleepiness, other medications targeting cataplexy, and scheduled naps combined with a strict sleep schedule can effectively manage symptoms for most people.

Is it dangerous to drive with narcolepsy?

Yes, sudden sleep attacks can occur without warning during activities like driving, so it's important to discuss symptom control and any driving restrictions with a sleep specialist before resuming or continuing to drive.

What triggers a sleep attack in narcolepsy?

Sleep attacks can occur regardless of how much sleep a person got the previous night and are not necessarily triggered by anything specific, though monotonous or sedentary activities tend to bring them on more easily.