National Geographic Channel Features Narcolepsy with Cataplexy on Taboo: Strange Behavior (Video Preview)

On Sunday, June 24, 2012, 10pm ET, National Geographic Channel will air Taboo: Strange Behavior featuring narcolepsy with cataplexy. Watch a short video preview of National Geographic Channel Taboo: Strange Behavior featuring Narcolepsy here.

This preview highlights cataplexy, a symptom of narcolepsy when emotions (humor, annoyance, joy, anger) causes loss of muscle tone without loss of consciousness. The individual remains conscious and fully aware of their surroundings and can hear everything around them, but is unable to respond because their body is temporarily paralyzed.  To learn more, click here.

The segment features Dee, a wonderful man and brave narcolepsy advocate. Thank you, Dee and National Geographic Channel for raising awareness about narcolepsy, a neurological disorder affecting 1 in 2,000 people, about 3 million worldwide. 

Please note: narcolepsy is not a one-size-fits all diagnosis. No two people with narcolepsy’s experience is the same.  Not eveyrone experiences all the symptoms, nor to the same degree. Some people are more responsive than others to the current medications available to reduce symptoms and manage quality of life. If you know someone with narcolepsy, ask them what their experience with symptoms and treatment has been. Do not assume everyone’s case is the same. With successful treatment and symptom management, many people with narcolepsy are overcoming adversity to live successful full lives!

4 Comments

  1. Sheila Redpath on June 24, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    After many years of suffering with what I thought was extreme fatigue, plus a wierd occurence which I called ‘shut-downs’ it has been discovered by the one consultant who has realised that neither this, nor my other major condition are Psychosomatic, that I have actually got Narcolepsy as well as Mitochondrial Myopathy with respiratory deficiency!! Basically 2 fairly rare conditions after years of being told that I may have M.E/CFIDS & should see psychiatrists without delay!! I have found out that these ‘shutdowns’ are in fact Cataplexy & the falling asleep in mid conversation amongst other symptoms all add up to the one whole. I am in the UK & have not, as yet, found an association here that will provide support – on Facebook the only groups are all in the USA – surely there are other folk in the world with this condition? Help please!!! Thankyou.

  2. Lisa on June 26, 2012 at 2:11 am

    Shelia, this isn’t the exact right group for you, but I know there are UK members here, so it might be a place to start:

    http://www.facebook.com/groups/NarcolepsyKidsandParents/

  3. Matt O'Neill on November 13, 2012 at 9:54 pm

    Sheila,

    There is a UK based charity that can help you http://www.narcolepsy.org.uk

    Narcolepsy UK are one of the largest Narcolepsy charities in Europe.

    Matt

    • julie on November 13, 2012 at 10:24 pm

      Thank you for checking out my blog and for your helpful comment, Matt! Cheers, Julie

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