Neurophysiological perspectives and therapeutic approaches of narcolepsy
- Author:
Kyoung Jin HWANG
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From: Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology 2025;27(2):33-42
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Narcolepsy is a central disorder of hypersomnolence primarily characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness often accompanied by cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations, and disrupted nocturnal sleep. Pathophysiological mechanisms involve genetic predisposition, hypocretin deficiency, infectious and immune-related factor. Diagnosis is established through clinical evaluation, polysomnography, multiple sleep latency testing, and cerebrospinal fluid hypocretin measurement. Pharmacological treatment primarily aims to alleviate excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy. Stimulants such as modafinil and solriamfetol are commonly used for managing EDS, while antidepressants are employed to control cataplexy. Pitolisant and sodium oxybate have demonstrated efficacy in treating both EDS and cataplexy. This review summarizes current understanding of the epidemiology, clinical features, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic options for narcolepsy.
