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Childhood narcolepsy

From the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and The Children's Hospital, Birmingham, AL.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Merrill S. Wise, 1600 Seventh Avenue South, ACC 516, The Children's Hospital, Birmingham, AL 35233.

Abstract.

Narcolepsy may present during childhood and is probably underrecognized in this population. The core symptoms of narcolepsy in children are similar to those in adults, but the expression may be different because of maturational factors. This report focuses on the presenting features that are unique to childhood narcolepsy and the appropriate diagnostic evaluation for suspected narcolepsy in children. Psychosocial and academic problems are almost universal in children with narcolepsy, and management strategies should address these areas. Although currently available stimulant medications may be helpful to some extent, the cornerstone of management is education, emotional and academic support, and careful follow-up over time. The overall goal for managing childhood narcolepsy is to assist the child and family in achieving optimal quality of life.

Footnotes

Portions of this work were supported through a grant provided by the Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Birmingham, AL.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. Hvidsten and G. Bates Pseudonarcolepsy in an 11-Year-Old Boy Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, October 1, 2008; 13(4): 585 - 591. [Abstract] [PDF]

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