There are two main types of narcolepsy - narcolepsy with cataplexy and narcolepsy without cataplexy. You may ask, what is cataplexy? Cataplexy is a sudden and uncontrollable muscle weakness or paralysis that is often triggered by a strong emotion, such as excitement or laughter.
People who experience cataplexy as one of their narcolepsy symptoms often times have low levels of hypocretin, while those who do not experience cataplexy symptoms have normal levels of hypocretin. Hypocretin, also known as orexin, is a brain chemical that regulates arousal, wakefulness and apptetite.
Some reasons that people with narcolepsy may be producing low levels of hypocretin include:
Autoimmune disorders that cause a loss of the brain cells that produce hypocretin
Brain injuries that specifically impact the section of the brain that controls wakefulness and REM sleep
The holidays are right around the corner and many of us are thinking about how to not gain those extra pounds. However, it's not just our weight we should be worried about — we should also focus on keeping our gut healthy this holiday season. Our gut does much more than digest food — it also has an important immune function. Keep your digestive tract strong and healthy for the holidays and new year by following these 5 easy tips:
Anger is a normal human emotion, but if it’s frequent or intense it can harm your physical and mental health and damage your relationships. Learn ways to stay calm and keep anger from escalating.
If you've never had an online psychiatry visit before, you might have some questions about how the process works. Dr. Churi, Amwell’s staff psychiatrist, shares answers and helpful information about telepsychiatry.
How do we find a way to carry our grief for our loved one and find joy in the present? This question is one that I often get asked. I am very open about the fact that I lost a son to cancer 20 years ago, and that loss has shaped me into the person and clinician I am today.
Now is the time to try online!
Amwell® can help you feel better faster. Register now for access to doctors 24 hours a day.
