Narcolepsy

Abstract

A.M. is a 19 years old university student without any previous illness. During the fourth year of high school, episodes of motor paralysis began to occur during awakening when she is conscious, but she needs a few minutes to start to move. The episodes are manifested a couple of times monthly. Simultaneously, but rarely, there are hypnagogic hallucinations such as sound and fear in a semi awake condition and she cannot react. Practically, last three years she has attacks of irresistible sleepiness, especially when she feels comfortable. She falls asleep during lectures or when she writes a message. She sleeps for a short time during writing and that refreshes her.
 An 77 year-old man repeatedly experienced what he described as occasional “trance-like” states accompanied by drowsiness for about 9 years after he experienced ischemic stroke. These became increasingly frequent, finally reaching 3-5 times daily. In addition, he experienced sudden “drop attacks” during the previous 3 years. During that time, he did not receive a proper diagnosis or treatment despite several hospitalizations. Initially he was treated for epilepsy before receiving a proper diagnosis of narcolepsy.