People having sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating on tasks are more likely to suffer from Gelineau syndrome. It is best to consult a specialist at Patel hospital. The specialist will conduct various tests to diagnose the illness and identify the cause to provide treatment accordingly.
Gelineau syndrome is also known as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a neurological condition in which the individual has no control over the sleep-wake cycles. They may sleep in the middle of an important task. Individuals between the age of eighteen to thirty-five are at a higher risk of suffering from the condition. There is no cure for the disease; however, treatments can help manage the symptoms.
Symptoms of Gelineau Syndrome
- The symptoms of Gelineau syndrome are:
- The person suffers from sudden sleep attacks during daytime activities. The person may sleep during exams or other important tasks.
- The person remains inactive and restless for the whole day.
- The individual struggles in finishing the work, which affects personal and professional life.
- The person cannot fully concentrate on the work.
- The person may suffer from cataplexy. It is a condition in which the person suddenly losses muscle tone.
- The person suffers from sleep paralysis, in which the person cannot move or talk after waking or while sleeping but is fully aware of the surrounding.
- The patient suffers from hallucinations. The individual is semi-alert and thinks of unrealistic and non-existent scenarios.
Known Causes of Gelineau Syndrome
The cause includes:
- The low production of hypocretin is responsible for Gelineau syndrome. Hypocretin is the chemical responsible for the regulation of sleep-wake cycles. The deficiency of hypocretin increases the chances of suffering from the syndrome.
- People with blood relatives suffering from Gelineau syndrome are more likely to suffer from the disease.
Preventive Measures
The preventive measures for Gelineau syndrome that can help reduce the chances of a sudden attack are:
- The person diagnosed with the condition must try to eliminate the stressors from the lifestyle.
- The person should change their lifestyle and take small naps during the day; when they don’t have tasks to complete.
- The person should engage in physical activities.
- The person may feel anxious and embarrassed due to distortion in the sleep cycle. Peers and family members may comment that can lead to anxiety. Thus, the person should consult a therapist who can help deal with the embarrassing trauma.
Complications Associated with Gelineau Syndrome
The complications associated with Gelineau syndrome are:
- The person may gain weight due to a lack of physical activities. Obesity can lead to other physical and psychological illnesses such as anxiety and body dysmorphia.
- Due to sudden onset, the person may get into an accident. It can be physically harmful, and the person may feel embarrassed.
- People with Gelineau syndrome struggle to maintain intimate relationships. The person suffers from inferiority and self-doubt, which may lead to depression.
Tests to Diagnose Gelineau Syndrome
The tests to diagnose an individual with Gelineau syndrome are:
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale: The specialist asks the person questions to evaluate the severity of the condition.
- Polysomnography: It allows to monitor the electrical activities of the brain while the individual is asleep.
Medications to Treat Gelineau Syndrome
The medications that have been proven beneficial in treating a person diagnosed with Gelineau syndrome are:
- Use of Stimulants: The medication helps in provoking the CNS. It allows the patient to stay awake during the daytime.
- Use of Serotonin Uptake Inhibitor: The medications help the person cope with hallucinations and sleep paralysis.
- Use of Tricyclic Antidepressants: Antidepressants help the patients deal with anxiety.
- Use of CNS Depressants: The medication helps deal with the symptoms of cataplexy.
People diagnosed with Gelineau syndrome must visit a neurologist in Islamabad. The specialist can help the patient understand the condition and make relevant lifestyle changes that will allow them to live a healthier life along with medications. It will help the person to function adequately in various aspects of life.
