Best Doctors For Narcolepsy Treatment In Hyderabad

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that is defined by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and random sleep attacks. This disorder involves a complex interplay of genetics and environmental factors. Narcolepsy is attributed to a deficiency of a neurotransmitter known as hypocretin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. This deficiency can arise due to genetic factors, brain trauma, or an autoimmune response against hypocretin neurons.

In the city of Hyderabad, although the occurrence of narcolepsy has been documented, it remains relatively under-studied. Despite this, Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad are equipped with skilled neurologists and doctors for narcolepsy treatment. These experts are dedicated to improving the quality of life of their patients and are considered some of the best narcolepsy treatment doctors in the country.

Types/Stages of Narcolepsy

There are two main types of narcolepsy as observed by specialists doctors for narcolepsy:

• Narcolepsy Type 1 (NT1): Characterised by cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone), this type is typically associated with low levels of hypocretin in the brain.

• Narcolepsy Type 2 (NT2): This type lacks cataplexy but patients still experience excessive sleepiness.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy

People with narcolepsy commonly manifest:

• EDS is marked by an extreme urge to sleep during the day that leads to attention lapses and "sleep attacks".

• Cataplexy is a sudden muscular weakness triggered by extreme emotions such as laughter or excitement.

• Sleep paralysis (The inability to move that happens temporarily during the transition from wakefulness to sleep or vice-versa).

• Hypnagogic hallucinations lead to vivid, dream-like sensations that occur during the transition from wakefulness to sleep or vice-versa.

Tests to Diagnose Narcolepsy

For diagnosis, the team of specialists in narcolepsy treatment at Apollo Hospitals deploy a set of clinical observations and laboratory examinations encompassing:

• Clinical Features: The presence of EDS, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations are key diagnostic indications.

• Polysomnogram (PSG): An overnight sleep study that records various physiological parameters to rule out other sleep disorders.

• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): A daytime test that measures how quickly a person falls asleep and whether they enter REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep during naps.

• Epworth Sleepiness Scale: A questionnaire that assesses the severity of daytime sleepiness by rating the likelihood of dozing off in different situations.

• Hypocretin (Orexin) Levels: A lumbar puncture to measure hypocretin level in the cerebrospinal fluid, often low in narcolepsy type 1.

• Actigraphy: A wrist-worn device that tracks movement to monitor sleep patterns over several days or weeks.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Narcolepsy at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad

In managing this condition, the best narcolepsy treatment doctors at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad focus on controlling symptoms and reducing the risk of accidents:

• Medications: Stimulants such as modafinil and armodafinil are frequently used to treat EDS while Sodium oxybate may be used to treat both cataplexy and EDS.

• Behavioural Approaches: Short naps, maintaining a regular sleep-wake schedule, and avoiding heavy meals or caffeine before bedtime can help manage symptoms.

• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can also help alleviate symptoms of this condition according to the specialist doctors for narcolepsy treatment and management.