living with narcolepsy
Living with narcolepsy and cataplexy often feels like existing in the shadow of sleep. Narcoleptic Insights documents my experiences as I learn to live with this condition. When telling my stories, I will reflect on the social, political and neurological aspects of narcolepsy and incorporate what I learn from other resources.
Each month, I will focus on a different aspect of narcolepsy. From diagnosis and self identity to disability rights and policy.
This month I focus on Discovering Narcolepsy. To be followed soon with a guide to narcolepsy symptoms.
narkē–lepsie
Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that causes excessive sleepiness. The term narcolepsie emerged in 1880 by combining Greek narkē “numbness, stupor” with -lepsie (or lepsis) “an attack, seizure,”.
the term narcolepsie was coined by jean-baptiste-Édouard gélineau (1859-1928)
kataplēssein
Cataplexy describes episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis accompanied with full conscious awareness. Like narcolepsie, the term kataplexie emerged in 1880 and is rooted in the Greek word kataplēssein “to strike down”. Kataplēssein is a combination of kata “down” and plēssein “to strike, hit”.
the term kataplexie was coined by William Thierry Preyer (1841-1897)
About Me
Narcoleptic Insights is produced by Laurie Lee Robertson (Ph.D, MRes, MA). Laurie is not an expert in narcolepsy. The purpose of NI is to share her experiences and open source resources.
Get in Touch
I’m interested in your views and experiences. If you would like to make a contribution, please email me at narcolepticinsights@hotmail.co.uk
Narcoleptic Insights 