Narcolepsy. An illness in transition

Bierbrauer J, Heidenreich T, Hilwerling L, von Nessen S, Fey P, Kögel P, Pflug B, Dahmen N

Research article (journal) | Peer reviewed

Abstract

The signs of narcolepsy have been known since the last century and the tetrad of symptoms was described 50 years ago: excessive sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations. Polysomnography typically shows decreased sleep and REM sleep latency, and laboratory testing reveals a high association with the human leucocyte antigens (HLA) DQB1*0602 and DQA1*102. Actual studies suggest disturbances in the orexin (hypocretin) neurotransmitter system. However, the exact pathophysiology is still unclear. In Germany, about 1500 patients diagnosed with narcolepsy are known. The prevalence in Caucasian populations is estimated at 50/100,000. Thus, the number of undiagnosed patients is likely to be high.

Details about the publication

JournalDer Nervenarzt
Volume71
Issue10
Page range807-812
StatusPublished
Release year2000
Language in which the publication is writtenEnglish
KeywordsRisk Factors; Narcolepsy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Germany; Polysomnography; Risk Factors; Narcolepsy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Germany; Polysomnography

Authors from the University of Münster

Hilwerling, Lorenz
Clinic of Paediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy