RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Childhood narcolepsy
JF Neurology
JO Neurology
FD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
SP S37
OP S42
DO 10.1212/WNL.50.2_Suppl_1.S37
VO 50
IS 2 Suppl 1
A1 Merrill S. Wise
YR 1998
UL http://n.neurology.org/content/50/2_Suppl_1/S37.abstract
AB 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.