Mild cataplexy3/27/2023 ![]() Up to 46 per cent of non-narcoleptic subjects report “episodes of muscle weakness with various emotions or athletic activities”, a phenomenon resembling “weakness with laughter” in the general population. This clinical variability challenges the differential diagnosis. However, a larger phenotypic spectrum exists encompassing between- and within-patients variability of the role of triggers, hypotonia distribution (partial and generalized), frequency, and duration of the attacks. Cataplexy “needs to be established based on the clinical interview alone because patients are rarely examined during an attack”. Cataplexy is pathognomonic for NT1 and is characterized, as per consensus criteria, by episodes of brief, symmetrical, loss of muscle tone with retained consciousness precipitated by strong emotions. Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a central hypersomnia linked to the loss of hypothalamic hypocretinergic neurons. Attacks of episodic fall/collapse should be documented because video-recorded attacks provide reliable information useful for phenotyping ambiguous cases. An abrupt facial involvement of hypotonia interrupting laughter behavior marked cataplexy versus psudocataplexy in video-documented attacks of patients with narcolepsy type 1 and functional neurological symptoms. Experts think the cells that produce these critical chemicals may have been damaged during an autoimmune response when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.Cataplexy assessment is exclusively based on clinical interview, possibly challenging the correct diagnosis of narcolepsy. Researchers believe the decrease or loss of certain brain chemicals (hypocretin and orexin) that help keep us awake can impact the central nervous system (the network of nerve cells and fibers which transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body), and the brain’s regulation of sleep and wakefulness. The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown. What are the causes of Pediatric Narcolepsy? “Zoning out” or not concentrating during conversations, driving, school or other normally engaging activities.Sleep paralysis (not being able to move or talk when falling asleep or immediately after waking up).Restless nighttime sleep with multiple interruptions.Hypnagogic hallucinations (intense, dream-like states that seem extremely real and often occur at the same time as sleep paralysis hallucinations can be felt, heard or seen).Disturbed nighttime sleep (waking frequently).Cataplexy (a sudden, temporary loss of muscle control).Brief, uncontrolled sleep periods during the day (can last several seconds to several minutes).Behavioral health issues, including depression, exhaustion and poor concentration.Automatic behaviors (completing routine tasks while asleep and not remembering it – like brushing teeth or writing).The main symptom is extreme sleepiness during the day. They can develop at once or slowly appear throughout the years. The symptoms of narcolepsy can vary from mild to life-altering. What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Narcolepsy? Type 2 (without cataplexy)Ĭhildren will have the typical symptoms of narcolepsy but will not have the loss of muscle control associated with cataplexy. Hypocretin/orexin is a chemical in the brain that regulates wakefulness and appetite. Children may also have low or absent CSF hypocretin-1 levels. It’s often triggered by anger, stress or strong positive emotions (laughing). Type 1 (with cataplexy)Ĭataplexy is a brief and sudden loss of muscle control that is temporary, which can involve the entire body or one specific muscle group. Children with both types experience extreme daytime sleepiness, but they may or may not have cataplexy. What are the different types of Pediatric Narcolepsy? It impacts both boys and girls and usually begins in adolescence (age 10 to 19) – most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 30. Narcolepsy symptoms often go undiagnosed and can appear all at once or develop over a period of years. Children with narcolepsy need/want to sleep during the day despite a restful night. This sleeping disorder is a chronic neurological condition that impacts the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-and-wake cycles. Resources for Transgender Youth and Their Families.Pediatric Clinical Trials & Experimental Medication.Nursing Transition to Practice Programs.Child Life and Music Therapy Training Opportunities.Fellowship and Subspecialty Training Programs.Children’s Health is proud to become the first pediatric health system in the country to offer Amazon Lockers, self-service kiosks that allow you to pick up your Amazon packages when and where you need them most – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ![]()
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