Challenges in diagnosing narcolepsy without cataplexy: a consensus statement.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Diagnosing narcolepsy without cataplexy is often a challenge as the symptoms are nonspecific, current diagnostic tests are limited, and there are no useful biomarkers. In this report, we review the clinical and physiological aspects of narcolepsy without cataplexy, the limitations of available diagnostic procedures, and the differential diagnoses, and we propose an approach for more accurate diagnosis of narcolepsy without cataplexy.

METHODS:

A group of clinician-scientists experienced in narcolepsy reviewed the literature and convened to discuss current diagnostic tools, and to map out directions for research that should lead to a better understanding and more accurate diagnosis of narcolepsy without cataplexy.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

To aid in the identification of narcolepsy without cataplexy, we review key indicators of narcolepsy and present a diagnostic algorithm. A detailed clinical history is mainly helpful to rule out other possible causes of chronic sleepiness. The multiple sleep latency test remains the most important measure, and prior sleep deprivation, shift work, or circadian disorders should be excluded by actigraphy or sleep logs. A short REM sleep latency (≤ 15 minutes) on polysomnography can aid in the diagnosis of narcolepsy without cataplexy, although sensitivity is low. Finally, measurement of hypocretin levels can helpful, as levels are low to intermediate in 10% to 30% of narcolepsy without cataplexy patients.

• Authors: Christian R Baumann, Emmanuel Mignot, Gert Jan Lammers, Sebastiaan Overeem, Isabelle Arnulf, David Rye, Yves Dauvilliers, Makoto Honda, Judith A Owens, Giuseppe Plazzi, Thomas E Scammell
• Journal: Sleep (Sleep) Vol. 37 Issue 6 Pg. 1035-42 (Jun 01 2014) ISSN: 1550-9109 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24882898 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
• Neuropeptides
• Orexins

Topics

• Actigraphy
• Adult
• Biomarkers (analysis)
• Biomedical Research (trends)
• Child
• Consensus
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Humans
• Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins (cerebrospinal fluid)
• Male
• Narcolepsy (cerebrospinal fluid, diagnosis, genetics, physiopathology)
• Neuropeptides (cerebrospinal fluid)
• Orexins
• Polysomnography
• Self Report
• Sleep Deprivation (diagnosis)
• Sleep Stages (physiology)