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Narcolepsy Print Friendly and PDF

The Sleep Disorder Institute of Riverside Medical Center can diagnose and treat narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a chronic, neurological sleep disorder with no known cause. This genetic disorder involves the body's central nervous system, and is caused by a deficiency in the production of a neuropeptide called orexin.



How is narcolepsy diagnosed?

Riverside's Sleep Disorder Institute uses a combination of medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests to confirm a narcolepsy diagnosis. These tests include:

How is narcolepsy treated?

The treatment goal of narcolepsy is for the patient to remain as alert as possible during his or her waking hours and to minimize any recurring episodes of cataplexy, while using a minimal amount of medication. Other treatment options include