Diagnosing narcolepsy with cataplexy on history alone: challenging the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-2) criteria
2011
Abstract
Background and purpose: The second version of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders suggests narcolepsy with cataplexy can be diagnosed on history alone. Patients: Five patients with a history supportive of narcolepsy/cataplexy.
Method: Case review following clinical investigation. Results: None of the five patients had a diagnosis of narcolepsy/cataplexy on the basis of objective testing using polysomnography (PSG) and multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT).
Conclusion: PSG and MSLT should always be used in conjunction with a comprehensive history taken by an experienced sleep physician to support a diagnosis of narcolepsy with cataplexy and to exclude other conditions that may mimic narcolepsy.