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