This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Michael Thorpy, MD; Karl Doghramji, MD, FAASM, DFAPA; Clete Kushida, MD, PhD; and Richard K Bogan, MD.

Narcolepsy, a debilitating neurologic disorder disrupting sleep-wake boundaries, affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people in the US, with up to 5% of individuals presenting with sleepiness having narcolepsy, often under-recognized and under-diagnosed. Its primary clinical feature is excessive daytime sleepiness, evident in irresistible sleep urges, lapses into sleep, and involuntary sleep episodes known as sleep attacks. Other REM-related phenomena include cataplexy, sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.

Narcolepsy presents in 2 types: type 1 with cataplexy and type 2 without. Diagnosis typically involves polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing, with narcoleptics exhibiting short sleep latencies and multiple REM sleep episodes during daytime naps.

The discussion highlights three main features of narcolepsy: daytime sleepiness, abnormal REM sleep phenomena, and disturbed nocturnal sleep. Differentiating between mild, moderate, and severe cases often hinges on the severity of daytime sleepiness, with cataplexy severity and frequency also aiding in classification.

The severity of narcolepsy varies, with some individuals experiencing frequent and severe symptoms while others have milder manifestations. Daytime sleepiness severity, as measured by mean sleep latency, is a key determinant, with shorter latencies indicating more severe sleepiness. Similarly, the frequency and severity of cataplexy episodes contribute to assessing narcolepsy severity.

Overall, the peer exchange underscores the multifaceted nature of narcolepsy diagnosis and management, emphasizing the importance of understanding its diverse clinical presentations and tailoring treatment approaches accordingly.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by NeurologyLive editorial staff.