The epidemiology of narcolepsy in Olmsted County, Minnesota: a population-based study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the age- and sex-specific incidence rates and prevalence of narcolepsy in a United States community.


METHODS
The records-linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project was utilized to ascertain all patients with narcolepsy seen in Olmsted County, Minnesota between 1960 and 1989. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated, using census data. Prevalence of narcolepsy on January 1,1985 was calculated.


METHODS
N/A.


METHODS
Community patients diagnosed with narcolepsy by a validated set of diagnostic criteria.


METHODS
N/A.


RESULTS
The incidence rate per 100,000 persons per year was 1.37 (1.72 for men and 1.05 for women). The incidence rate was highest in the 2nd decade, followed in descending order by the 3rd, 4th and 1st decades. The prevalence on January 1, 1985 was 56.3 per 100,000 persons. Approximately 36% of prevalence cases did not have cataplexy.


CONCLUSIONS
Narcolepsy is not a rare disorder. It appears to be commoner in men. It originates most commonly in the 2nd decade. Narcolepsy without cataplexy is an important subgroup, warranting further study.
Silber
Michael H
MH
Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Medical School, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. msilber@mayo.edu
Krahn
Lois E
LE
Olson
Eric J
EJ
Pankratz
V Shane
VS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009290:Narcolepsy / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence