Narcolepsy and cataplexy
ICD-10 G47.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of narcolepsy and cataplexy.
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. It is often accompanied by cataplexy, which is a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions such as laughter or surprise. Patients may experience disrupted nighttime sleep, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. The condition is believed to be caused by a deficiency of hypocretin (orexin), a neurotransmitter that regulates wakefulness and REM sleep. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive sleep history, polysomnography (sleep study), and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) to assess the degree of daytime sleepiness and the presence of REM sleep during naps. Treatment options include lifestyle modifications, stimulant medications, and sodium oxybate, which can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Detailed sleep history, results from polysomnography, and MSLT.
Patients presenting with excessive daytime sleepiness and episodes of cataplexy.
Ensure that all sleep study results are clearly documented and linked to the diagnosis.
Neurological examination findings, patient history, and response to treatment.
Patients with neurological symptoms associated with narcolepsy.
Document any comorbid conditions that may affect treatment.
Used to diagnose narcolepsy by assessing sleep patterns.
Results of the sleep study must be documented and linked to the diagnosis.
Sleep specialists should ensure comprehensive reporting of findings.
Narcolepsy with cataplexy includes episodes of sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions, while narcolepsy without cataplexy does not involve these episodes but still presents with excessive daytime sleepiness.
