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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Treat Narcolepsy And Catalepsy?

My housemate has narcolepsy and catalepsy and just last night fell and hit his head. . . . he complained about how it hurt this morning but did not mention a headache. Then around 10 am he went and did a major workout at the gym on weights, then came home hydrated, ate a grape fruit and then left to run cross country for 3 miles. . . He would not speak about any issues with the running, where he has been known to fall from an event. He got home and complained of a headache near the swollen cut on his forehead. I checked his pupils and they are not dilated. I gave him an ice pack which he used for 15 minutes as he dosed. Then got up did some clean up and went to his room to lie down. What else can I do for him as he will not go to the doctor.
Tue, 8 Nov 2016
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello! It's difficult to state the exact diagnosis from this much information you gave about, but in my opinion your friend does not have narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is condition characterized by four important manifestations, which are 1.excessive daytime sleepiness, 2cataplexy 3hypnagogic hallucinations (hallucinations during the time of falling to sleep) 4sleep paralysis. As you mentioned above your friend is all day long active with no sign of fatigue. Daytime sleepiness is the first sign to be present of narcolepsy and it has to be present for at least 3 months. So by the time cataplexy starts to ocurr daytime sleepiness must be very evident. Cataplexy only in severe cases may cause a fall.
I would strongly advise for your friend to go to a doctor, because it may be epilepsy your friend is suffering from. The things that you can do may be summarized in actions that keeps him away from physical injury if he falls (for example not sleeping in the high part of a bunk bed, avoid driving etc)
I hope this information help you convince your friend to go to the doctor.
Kind regards.
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How To Treat Narcolepsy And Catalepsy?

Hello! It s difficult to state the exact diagnosis from this much information you gave about, but in my opinion your friend does not have narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is condition characterized by four important manifestations, which are 1.excessive daytime sleepiness, 2cataplexy 3hypnagogic hallucinations (hallucinations during the time of falling to sleep) 4sleep paralysis. As you mentioned above your friend is all day long active with no sign of fatigue. Daytime sleepiness is the first sign to be present of narcolepsy and it has to be present for at least 3 months. So by the time cataplexy starts to ocurr daytime sleepiness must be very evident. Cataplexy only in severe cases may cause a fall. I would strongly advise for your friend to go to a doctor, because it may be epilepsy your friend is suffering from. The things that you can do may be summarized in actions that keeps him away from physical injury if he falls (for example not sleeping in the high part of a bunk bed, avoid driving etc) I hope this information help you convince your friend to go to the doctor. Kind regards.