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What Causes Sudden Fatigue And Sleep Paralysis When Diagnosed With Narcolepsy?
Question: I have a class project which is a case study.
A 35-year-old male is admitted to a hospital following a minor car accident. He was driving home and fell asleep at the wheel. This is the third accident he has had in the past year. He also falls asleep regularly at work, at the dinner table, at church, and, in fact, anywhere. When he becomes excited or enraged, he suddenly becomes weak and falls. At night, he often has bizarre, terrifying dreams. During these dreams, he feels as if he were paralyzed.
What is the probable diagnosis for this man's condition?
A 35-year-old male is admitted to a hospital following a minor car accident. He was driving home and fell asleep at the wheel. This is the third accident he has had in the past year. He also falls asleep regularly at work, at the dinner table, at church, and, in fact, anywhere. When he becomes excited or enraged, he suddenly becomes weak and falls. At night, he often has bizarre, terrifying dreams. During these dreams, he feels as if he were paralyzed.
What is the probable diagnosis for this man's condition?
Brief Answer:
Narcolepsy with cataplexy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Those symptoms are typically found in people suffering from narcolepsy ( falling asleep regardless of time and during activities ) with cataplexy ( loss of muscles tone after excitement ).
Sleep paralysis and hallucinations are other symptoms of narcolepsy.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Greetings.
Narcolepsy with cataplexy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Those symptoms are typically found in people suffering from narcolepsy ( falling asleep regardless of time and during activities ) with cataplexy ( loss of muscles tone after excitement ).
Sleep paralysis and hallucinations are other symptoms of narcolepsy.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thanks so much for your help i am on the right track!
I have a few more to ask.
How would an electroencephalogram (EEG) look like during the sleep condition of this patient?
What sleep state do these symptoms resemble?
What type of treatments (physical or chemical) would you prescribe for the patient?
I have a few more to ask.
How would an electroencephalogram (EEG) look like during the sleep condition of this patient?
What sleep state do these symptoms resemble?
What type of treatments (physical or chemical) would you prescribe for the patient?
Brief Answer:
Stimulants, antidepressants.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.
EEG done during polysomnography of the patients with narcolepsy and cataplexy resembles the drowsy state associated with rapid eyes movements ( REM ), and sleep paralysis with hallucinations in the onset REM period.
During a cataplectic period low voltage alpha rhythm is observed.
Treatment consists on drugs such stimulants ( modafinil ), antidepressants ( fluoxetine ), venlafaxine, imipramine, and xyrem for cataplexy.
Hope I helped you.
Take care.
Stimulants, antidepressants.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.
EEG done during polysomnography of the patients with narcolepsy and cataplexy resembles the drowsy state associated with rapid eyes movements ( REM ), and sleep paralysis with hallucinations in the onset REM period.
During a cataplectic period low voltage alpha rhythm is observed.
Treatment consists on drugs such stimulants ( modafinil ), antidepressants ( fluoxetine ), venlafaxine, imipramine, and xyrem for cataplexy.
Hope I helped you.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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