Narcolepsy can be very disruptive to an individual’s daily life, but there are treatments available that can minimize its impact on your life. To successfully treat narcolepsy, you will need to seek the services of an expert in the subject. This leads many to wonder: what type of doctor treats narcolepsy? Below, we discuss more about treating narcolepsy and offer our services so you can manage yours.
Symptoms of Narcolepsy
There are two types of narcolepsy: type 1 and type 2. They are similar in more ways than not but are distinct in that cataplexy is only present in type 1 narcolepsy. Cataplexy refers to sudden weakness of the muscles when awake. When paired with the sudden onset of sleep or drowsiness caused by narcolepsy, type 1 narcoleptics face the additional danger of collapse due to their symptoms.
Beyond the cataplexy associated with type 1 narcolepsy, type 1 and type 2 narcolepsy share similar symptoms. Individuals with either type of narcolepsy may notice their symptoms slowly worsen over several years and often experience these symptoms for the duration of their lifetime. Common symptoms of narcolepsy include:
- Extreme and excessive daytime sleepiness
- Performing automatic or unconscious behaviors
- Sleep paralysis
- Hallucinations
- Changes in REM sleep
- Less muscle mass
Some patients report the shared symptoms of narcolepsy type 2 as being less severe than their type 1 counterparts. It is not uncommon to experience narcolepsy concurrently with other sleep issues, such as sleep apnea. A trained somnologist can observe a full profile of your symptoms and offer you a diagnosis to tackle each of them.
Treating Narcolepsy
There are many suspected causes of narcolepsy, but the exact cause of the condition has yet to be determined. Still, there are treatments available to help patients manage the effects of the condition in their lives. Common treatments for narcolepsy include:
- Wakefulness medications
- Antidepressants
- Amphetamine treatment
- Sodium oxybate
- Histamine treatments
Do not take medication to treat your narcolepsy without first consulting a doctor. A doctor will need to review and prescribe medications to ensure they are compatible with your physiological composition. Meeting with a doctor is especially important if you are already taking medications, as additional substances can interact with them poorly.
You will have the opportunity to determine your eligibility for medication during a consultation with your somnologist. They may prescribe cognitive therapy in lieu of medications should complicating factors be discovered during your consultation.
What Type of Doctor Treats Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is usually treated by a somnologist, otherwise referred to as a sleep specialist. Many somnologists have backgrounds in other medical fields, such as neurology, psychiatry, or internal medicine.
A sleep specialist commonly executes the following actions:
- Ordering diagnostic tests
- Interpreting test results
- Recording a detailed history of your sleep concerns
- Performing a physical exam to observe your physical health
- Diagnose sleep disorders
- Treat sleep disorders
Somnologists work closely with other medical specialists to perform their work. Your somnologist may refer you to another type of medical specialist, depending on the nature of your sleep issue.
What Issues Do Somnologists Treat?
Somnologists assist patients with a wide variety of sleep issues. Some of the most commonly treated issues include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Issues falling asleep and insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Restless leg syndrome
Somnologists can address both chronic and acute issues.
The Best Sleep Doctor in New York
You do not need to let narcolepsy continue to restrict your lifestyle. Dr. Mayank Shukla is a highly regarded sleep specialist in New York City. If you are interested in the services of a trained sleep specialist, contact Dr. Shukla’s office today to set up an appointment.
