Abstract :
[en] Diagnostic criteria and pathophysiology of narcolepsy-
<br />cataplexy have evolved considerably over the last 10 years.
<br />The main cause, already mentioned in a previous paper, in the
<br />Revue Médicale de Liège, in 2002, is based, in human beings,
<br />on a destruction of specific cells located in the lateral and
<br />posterior part of the hypothalamus (the perifornical nuclei,
<br />containing some 70,000 neurons), producing peptides which
<br />stimulate the central nervous system; they are called hypocretins
<br />or orexins. The role of autoimmunity in their disappearance
<br />becomes more evident. The treatment is simplified but
<br />remains symptomatic. It is mainly based on Sodium Oxybate
<br />or Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate, syrup, prescribed for the night.
<br />The authors report on their own experience in this regard and
<br />on future therapeutics more targeted towards the cause of the
<br />disease.
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