Narcolepsy with resolution of cataplexy and persisting orexin deficiency

Abstract

Narcolepsy type 1 is a debilitating chronic neurological disorder, whose main symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy may partially improve with time, but typically do not fully resolve. The irreversible loss of orexin neurons is considered to be the pivotal mechanistic link underlying the development of cataplectic attacks in narcolepsy type 1. Here we describe a case of untreated narcolepsy type 1with low cerebrospinal orexin levels (< 50 pg/mL), where cataplexy fully resolved in the first 5-6 years after disease onset, whereas excessive daytime sleepiness persisted.