In our guideline we applied the PICO (Patients–Intervention–Comparator–Outcome) framework and formulated key questions relevant for the clinical management of patients. When evidence for recommendations was limited, we provided statements in order to give a complete guideline, covering all aspects necessary for clinical management. We, European narcolepsy experts nominated by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), European Sleep Research Society (ESRS) and European Narcolepsy Network (EU-NN), joined forces, together with patient representatives, in order to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based guideline for the treatment of narcolepsy. These advancements allow, for the first time, individualised management of patients.

They result in a limitation of performance, ability to work, and quality of life of affected patients.Īn updated guideline is needed since knowledge on the etiopathology and on the clinical characteristics has significantly increased in recent years, along with the availability of several new drugs. Narcolepsy is a rare brain disorder and is also a model disease for the understanding of sleep and wake regulation mechanisms and of their pathology.Įxcessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy and REM-associated phenomena are primary symptoms of narcolepsy. “Sleep is by the brain (…) and for the brain” (Hobson, 2005).

Cataplexy video