Other tests for narcolepsy
While the polysomnogram and multiple sleep latency tests are usually enough to diagnose or rule out narcolepsy in most conditions, some other tests may be recommended.
An uncommon test that may also be used to diagnose narcolepsy is the measurement of the neurotransmitter called hypocretin [7] in the cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid will be sampled through a procedure called a lumbar puncture. A sample of your cerebrospinal fluid is obtained by inserting a needle into your spine for this test. You know you might have narcolepsy if hypocretin in the fluid is low.
After the tests
Narcolepsy is in two levels, which are:
- Type 1 narcolepsy: for this level, experience loose muscle tone and muscle weakness during the day.
- Type 2 narcolepsy: This is when you do not have daytime muscle weakness, or your hypocretin level is not low.
Conclusion
Narcolepsy is a condition that disrupts your sleep-wake cycle. Causing you to experience severe fatigue during the day and even cause you to fall asleep while performing an activity. It can be as severe as causing hallucination, muscle weakness, and sleep paralysis. Diagnosis to confirm your condition will involve two significant tests: the polysomnogram test and the MSLT. There’s currently no cure for narcolepsy, but treatment can be administered to manage your condition.
References
[1] https://www.ninds.nih.gov/
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631
[3] https://epworthsleepinessscale.com/about-the-ess/
[4] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/cataplexy
[5] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/parasomnias/sleep-paralysis
[6] https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/hypocretin