Narcolepsy : Causes
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Causes could include:
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No known cause
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The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown. Studies using gene markers show that the disorder may be genetic. A small group of neurons in the brain has been implicated in producing transitions from sleep to wakefulness and vice-versa. People with na...
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If a person has both excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, narcolepsy can be diagnosed on the basis of patient history alone. Lab tests, however, can confirm a diagnosis. Tests at a sleep disorders clinic include an overnight polysomnogram (...
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In 1999, researchers identified the gene that causes narcolepsy. The gene allows cells in the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that regulates sleep behavior) to receive messages from other cells. When this gene is abnormal, cells cannot communi...
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In 1999 researchers identified the gene that causes narcolepsy on chromosome 12. The gene allows cells in the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that regulates sleep behavior) to receive messages from other cells. When this gene is abnormal, cell...
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In 1999, researchers identified the gene that causes narcolepsy. The gene allows cells in the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that regulates sleep behavior) to receive messages from other cells. When this gene is abnormal, cells cannot communi...
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If a person experiences both excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, a diagnosis may be made on the patient history alone. Laboratory tests, however, can confirm a diagnosis. These may include an overnight polysomnogram—a test in which s...
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One of the causes of narcolepsy is a genetic mutation. In 1999 researchers identified the gene that causes the disorder. The narcolepsy gene allows cells in the hypothalamus (the part of the brainthat regulates sleep behavior) to receive messages ...
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The diagnosis of narcolepsy can be made by a general practitioner familiar with the disorder as well as by a psychiatrist. If a person comes to the doctor with reports of both excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, a diagnosis may be made on ...
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