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Narcolepsy

Synonym(s)

  • Gelineau syndrome
  • narcoleptic syndrome
  • paroxysmal sleep

Definition(s)

A condition characterized by recurrent episodes of daytime somnolence and lapses in consciousness (microsomnias) that may be associated with automatic behaviors and amnesia. Cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations frequently accompany narcolepsy. The pathophysiology of this disorder includes sleep-onset rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which normally follows stage III or IV sleep. (From Neurology 1998 Feb;50(2 Suppl 1):S2-S7)

Definition from: Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. (MeSH)   at the National Library of Medicine

Recurrent, uncontrollable brief episodes of sleep and lapses in consciousness, often associated with hypnagogic hallucinations, cataplexy, automatic behaviors and sleep paralysis.

Definition from: Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. (CRISP Thesaurus)   at the National Library of Medicine

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

 
Published: November 20, 2009