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Disorders of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Including Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Joseph Andrew Berkowski1, Anita Valanju Shelgikar1
1Michael S. Aldrich Sleep Disorders Laboratory, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, SPC 5845, C728 Med Inn Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5845, USA.
Abstract:
Central disorders of hypersomnolence are rare conditions with a poorly understood pathophysiology, making the identification and management challenging for sleep clinicians. Clinical history is essential for ruling out secondary causes of hypersomnolence and distinguishing among diagnoses. Current diagnostic criteria rely heavily on the polysomnogram and multiple sleep latency test. The current focus of treatment of hypersomnolence is on drugs that promote alertness. Additionally, in the case of narcolepsy type 1, medication management addresses control of cataplexy, the hallmark symptom of this disorder. Elucidation of pathophysiology of these disorders in the future will be essential to better categorization and management.
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