what is the difference between narcolepsy type 1 and type 2?

 Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and other symptoms that may affect your routine activities. There are two main types of narcolepsy: type 1 and type 2.

Narcolepsy Type 1

Type 1 narcolepsy used to be known as “narcolepsy with cataplexy.” It is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and cataplexy, which is a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions such as laughter or anger

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. People with type 1 narcolepsy also may experience sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and disrupted nighttime sleep

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Narcolepsy Type 2

Type 2 narcolepsy used to be called “narcolepsy without cataplexy.” It is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) but without cataplexy

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. People with type 2 narcolepsy may experience sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and disrupted nighttime sleep, similar to those with type 1 narcolepsy

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Differences

The main difference between the two types of narcolepsy is the presence or absence of cataplexy

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. Cataplexy is a key characteristic of type 1 narcolepsy and is not usually present in type 2 narcolepsy

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. People with type 1 narcolepsy also usually have low levels of a brain chemical called hypocretin, or orexin, which regulates sleep

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. People with type 2 narcolepsy do not usually have low hypocretin levels

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.It's important to note that the symptoms of type 2 narcolepsy tend to be less severe than those of type 1 narcolepsy

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.If you suspect you have narcolepsy, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.