Question
I am with a new doctor now who has diagnosed me with Hypersomnia (my previous doctor was treating me for Mild Narcolepsy and Sleep Apnea). My question is, if I have Hypersomnia then why do I have cataplectic episodes? They have become increasingly worse over the last few years. They usually only occur during laughter. I have only fallen once and usually just lose muscle control in the face and arms, occasionally the knees. My eyes sometimes feel like they've rolled back or that I have blacked out or had some kind of mini seizure, only lasting for a split second. What does this all mean? I feel like there is no real help. I explain these symptoms to my doctor and he wants to see if my prescription of Provigil helps, which is fine, but I've been on it before and the episodes still occur (only less frequently) Why am I not classified as Narcoleptic if I have cataplexy? Cataplexy is a sypmtom of Narc. not of Hypersomnia, right?
Answer
Hypersomnia is just another term in a way for idiopathic narcolepsy.hes just using wrong terms. Now if you lose consciousness in your cataplexy, then its not cataplexy. for cataplexy one never loses consciousness then its epilepsy. Your best bet is to go to a sleep center your local hospital can refer you where they will run an overnight sleep test or if you have had one simply bring the results to them and ask for a consult where you can get better diagnosis. Go to sleepnet.com click on narcolepsy and read and hypersomnia . go to disorders when you get to the site. also narcolepsy network.com your description of cataplexy is a typical but the feeling of blacking out is not. blacking out yes but narcoleptics with cataplexy never ever lose consciousness. they always hear everything just cant talk or move.feel free to email again karel
