Narcolepsy is a disease characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy (paralysis), hypnagogic hallucinations (hallucinations that occur in sleepiness) and sleep paralysis

It results from a predisposition to a dysfunction of the orexin-mediated neurotransmitter system, responsible for maintaining the sleep-wake cycle

This disease may be caused by genetic, immune or aberrant neurotransmission factors. The symptoms may appear from very early ages; however, two peak time periods have been identified: one around 15 years of age and another around 36 years of age

It has no cure, just treatment. The approach and treatment is aimed at designing strategies to ensure an adequate quality of sleep, specifying regular times to take naps that can be restorative

Dr. Frank Villareal
Neurologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma