NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Neurology, Ophthalmology & Otology
/
Sleep Disorders
/
Narcolepsy

Master Narcolepsy with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Narcolepsy

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Restless Legs Syndrome

Narcolepsy

Narco
Nicholazk
9 KEY FACTS
CHARACTERISTICS
Daytime Sleepiness
Monkey with sleep-hat and daytime picture

Narcolepsy is characterized by daytime sleepiness. Excessive daytime sleepiness with recurrent episodes of rapid-onset, overwhelming sleepiness at least three times a week for at least three months is required for the diagnosis. It is important to note that nocturnal and narcoleptic sleep episodes start off with REM sleep, and patients cannot physically avoid falling asleep.

Hallucinations
Halloween-hallucination

Patients with narcolepsy can have dream-like hallucinations just as they are falling asleep or waking up. Hallucinations that happen when the patient is falling asleep are known as hypnagogic; hallucinations that happen when the patient is waking up are known as hypnopompic.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Cataplexy
Cat-Flexing

Cataplexy is a medical condition in which strong emotions (e.g., laughter) cause a person to suffer sudden physical collapse due to loss of all muscle tone; it is important to note that consciousness remains intact.

Low Orexin
Ox-down-arrow

Dysregulated sleep-wake cycles are caused by decreased orexin (hypocretin) production from neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. An orexin A level less than 110 g/mL in the CSF supports the diagnosis of narcolepsy.

Lateral Hypothalamus
Ladder-hipo-thor

Dysregulated sleep-wake cycles are caused by decreased orexin (hypocretin) production. Synthesis of orexin takes place in the lateral hypothalamus.

TREATMENT
Good Sleep Hygiene
Hygiene-guy with sleep-hat

Good sleep hygiene is a necessary component of narcolepsy treatment. These patients should have a regular sleep schedule; they should take scheduled naps and avoid watching TV or eating just before going to bed.

Amphetamines
Amp-feet

Stimulants such as amphetamines are frequently used to help these patients stay awake throughout the day.

Modafinil
Monitor-filling

Modafinil is one of the first-line medications for narcolepsy. This medication helps patients stay awake throughout the day.

Sodium Oxybate
Sodium on ox

Sodium oxybate is given to these patients at nighttime due to its sedative effects. Sodium oxybate is effective in reducing cataplexy. It also reduces REM phenomena such as sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Take the Narcolepsy Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,870,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.