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Narcolepsy, Pediatric

Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Lifelong neurologic disorder that often initially manifests in childhood or adolescence and can cause significant functional impairment and disability

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (ED...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • EDS starting with recurrence of naps may be early signs of disease.

  • In adults, naps tend to be restorative but are more likely to be described as “unrefreshing” in children.

  • Cataplexy, ...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

  • Daytime sleepiness

    • Methylphenidate, 5 to 30 mg/24 h (max 60 mg/24 h). Consider other long-acting formulations such as Concerta®, Ritalin LA®, Metadate CD®, Focalin XR®, etc.

    • Dextroam...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

Children with narcolepsy can be expected to have normal life expectancy and normal intellectual functioning. Lifestyle and medication treatments to reduce sleepiness and cataplex...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Babiker MO, Prasad M. Narcolepsy in children: a diagnostic and management approach. Pediatr Neurol.  2015;52(6):557–565. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Lecendreux M. Pharmacolo...

CODES

ICD9

  • 347.00 Narcolepsy, without cataplexy

  • 347.01 Narcolepsy, with cataplexy

  • 347.10 Narcolepsy in conditions classified elsewhere, without cataplexy

  • 347.11 Narcolepsy in conditions classified elsewhe...

FAQ

  • Q: What is the chance that a sibling of the patient may develop narcolepsy?

  • A: There is a 1% possibility that siblings and offspring could be affected.

  • Q: Will a patient with narcolepsy be able to d...

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