Epilepsy and Narcolepsy are related

False. Epilepsy and Narcolepsy are NOT related.  Sometimes, narcolepsy can be misdignosed as epilepsy. A narcoleptic experiencing symptoms of cataplexy can be mistaken for a seizure. But it is not.

Narcolepsy is a type of seizure

False. Narcolepsy is NOT a type of seizure. People with narcolepsy sometimes experience narcolepsy with cataplexy which can be dangerous and may cause injury. Severe cataplexy, results in immediate and sudden body collapse, but cataplexy is not to be confused with seizures. There are many types of seizures- partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Narcolepsy with cataplexy can be misunderstood and resemble someone who experiences atonic seizures.

Narcolepsy can be diagnosed via an EEG

False. Narcolepsy can NOT be diagnosed via an EEG. Epilepsy can be diagnosed via an EEG. Narcolepsy is diagnosed through a sleep study, a set of medical tests including an overnight Polysomnogram (PSG) and a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). Even when cataplexy is clearly present, a sleep study is necessary to rule out sleep apnea and other possible sleep disorders contributing to EDS.

Narcolepsy is Genetically Inherited

Kind of. The Narcolepsy Network reports that there does appear to be some genetic predisposition to developing narcolepsy but narcolepsy with cataplexy. It is estimated that about 1/4 of the U.S. population carries the HLA-DQB1* o602 genetic marker for narcolepsy with cataplexy. Still, only 1 person out of about 500 of these people will develop this form of Narcolepsy.

March is Narcolepsy Awareness Month. Get informed. @PatientWorthy Be sure to check out our featured #RareMom, Kristina’s video! 

Photo by Sandro Georgi Photography