Clinical Characteristics of Cataplectic Attacks in Type 1 Narcolepsy.

Arpita Parmar, Brian J Murray, Indra Narang

Journal: Current neurology and neuroscience reports 2021;20(9):38

PMID: 32651734

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Narcolepsy is a central disorder of hypersomnolence with symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and cataplexy. Cataplexy is the sudden loss of muscle tone in either the face, neck, trunk, and/or limbs, leading to a loss of voluntary muscle control. This article reviews recent research on the clinical characteristics of cataplexy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Longitudinal research in adults suggests that there may be a remission of cataplectic severity after symptom stabilization. First-line treatment options for cataplexy include sodium oxybate and pitolisant, with many drugs such as AXS-12, FT218, and JZP258 under investigation. Patients with cataplexy reported greater limitations of daily activities such as driving and exercise compared to patients without cataplexy. Cataplexy remains a challenge for children and adults with narcolepsy and can interfere with daily activities. There is no cure for narcolepsy, but cataplexy can be well-managed with current and promising new treatment options on the horizon.

Address: Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.; Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Hill Wing-Room 4534, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. [email protected].; University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1007/s11910-020-01057-z