How can narcolepsy be diagnosed?

Narcolepsy can be diagnosed through a combination of patient history, clinical evaluation, and specific tests. Key diagnostics include the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to assess daytime sleepiness and a polysomnography (sleep study) to monitor sleep patterns. A subsequent Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is often conducted to measure how quickly a person falls asleep in a quiet environment, helping to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, the presence of cataplexy and specific genetic markers may aid in diagnosing narcolepsy.