Narcolepsy in Children: A Diagnostic and Management Approach

OBJECTIVE: To provide a diagnostic and management approach for narcolepsy in children. METHODS: Narcolepsy is a chronic disabling disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnogogic and/or hypnopompic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. All four features are present in only half of the cases. Excessive daytime sleepiness is the essential feature of narcolepsy at any age and is usually the first symptom to manifest. A combination of excessive daytime sleepiness and definite cataplexy is considered pathognomonic of narcolepsy syndrome. RESULTS: New treatment options have become available over the past few years. Early diagnosis and management can significantly improve the quality of life of patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy. CONCLUSION: This review summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical features, and management options for children with narcolepsy.