M-P |
|
|
|
|
What is Narcolepsy?
Often mentioned on television
and in film, this curious problem is a malfunction of regular sleeping/waking
regulatory system that is a vital part of the human brain. In most sufferers,
Narcolepsy presents itself as an excessive sleepiness during the daytime,
and as ‘attacks’ of sleep whereby the individual will fall asleep
suddenly.
Another particular symptom
of Narcolepsy is called ‘cataplexy’ which refers to a sudden lack
of control over the muscles, often set off by emotions such as anger,
excitement or amusement. Sleep paralysis, hallucinations such as vivid
sounds and images, periods of a trance like demeanour and the interruption
of sleep during the night with a sudden alertness or craving for sweet
food are all also symptoms and indications of Narcolepsy.
Typically, the problem will
first present itself during adolescence. However, in some cases it can
begin earlier, or indeed later, such as middle age. The extreme nature
of the symptoms varies from individual to individual and can alter over
time. There appears to be no consistency with regards to whether symptoms
always get better over time or always get worse.
How common is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a difficult problem
to gain raw data on. In general, it is a significantly under reported
problem with many sufferers not realising they have a problem or simply
considering it to be symptoms of a separate illness.
The statistics available range
from a prevalence of five cases in every ten thousand individuals (so
about 0.05%) in parts of North America and some parts of Europe, to
a larger sixteen in ten thousand in parts of Japan.
Researchers have indicated
that an inheritable factor may be the cause of an increased probability
in the development of Narcolepsy. However, as with many aspects of this
problem, this is not a certainty. Scientists are claiming that people
with the particular factor are up to ten times more likely to develop
narcoleptic symptoms than individuals without it.
As a neurological condition, the causes of Narcolepsy have been very difficult to track down. Most recently however, scientists have found that the chemical messenger known as ‘orexin’, in the brain, might have something to do with the illness. Mice whose brains cannot produce orexin exhibit narcoleptic tendencies. Further research is ongoing.
--
Some opt to have their illnesses, aches and pains treated using alternative medicines. When provided by a registered professional,
alternative treatments can be especially effective in treating
symptoms, and in easing the pain that is often caused by serious
illnesses.