There's speculation that reduced numbers -due to autoimmune response- of specific neurons which produce an appetite or sleep pattern regulating protein - Orexin A- may be a co-factor in Narcolepsy.
Most people who have narcolepsy with cataplexy have the HLA-DQB1*06:02 gene variation.
--Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine/Genetics Home Reference ---
Also--> "Complex HLA-DR and -DQ interactions confer risk of narcolepsy-cataplexy in three ethnic groups."
--Ref: PMID: 11179016 -- Free Article
Any links to Lupus or Parkison's are difficult to establish scientifically, however I would suggest you look into unregulated or underegulated thyroid function, often underlying these 2 conditions.
If your blood tests are normal try the Barnes basal temperature test.
Just do an online search for details.
Unusually low temps < 97.8 may indicate subclinical hypothyroidism.
Dr. Mark Starr: "A host of other problems have been linked with hypothyroidism. In Dr. Barnes' opinion, 99 times out of 100, when a low basal temperature is associated with an illness, a trial of thyroid medication is called for. I agree completely."
The dopaminergic system which drives the liver's cytochrome P-450 detoxification function( also affecting brain detox!) is dependant on adequate thyroid function.
Methylation factors, sulfation and detoxification protocols along with optimized thyroid function might well justify a trial.
Should you need more specific information on this, let me know, however, please note that my comments and suggestions are not intended to replace medical advice.
Best wishes
Niko
I found your post, and though it is months later...
I am diagnosed with Lupus and Narcolepsy. Only recently(the last year) has any doctor ever acknowledged that there may be a connectioin. The neurologist that I see for Narcolepsy believes that since both are autoimune diseases it is very likely they are related. My tiredness from Lupus is nothing at all like a sleep attack from Narcolepsy, but lucky me I get both!! Hope you have found more, better answers than mine, just wanted to communicate my experience!
I am new here and just reading this. I also have Narcolepsy, but was told it was caused by my Hashimoto's disease. My temperature is always around 97.4. My normal BP is around 90/60, which is very low considering I am 62. I have been tested for Lupus and between the rheumatologist and nephrologist, they couldn't decide. Nephrologist said yes (I had the butterfly rash) and his testing was positive. Rheumatologist said his testing was negative,but then said he was giving me a test that never failed, and it came back inconclusive. Five markers were positive; four were negative. I hope you have found your answers. I have yet to find an endocrinologist that knows what he's really doing. Good luck!!
Hi Donna, if you read my previous post, you'll understand why, your Hashimoto's (autoimmune hypothyroid) is likely under-regulated.
This may have to do with stressed adrenals which are down-regulating thyroid function, for ...adrenal recovery.
This process involves the conversion of thyroxine (T4) into reverse T3, which reduces your free or bioavailable triiodothyronine (T3)
So if you are on Synthroid or Levothyroxine or other thyroid med that contains
mostly T4, you might be compromising your thyroid regulation further!
Your BP is indeed low, you may have hyponatremia, so try a bit of additional natural sea-salt in your diet.
Low BP is a symptom of low adreanal function.
You sure need a good Endo-I would look for a reputable Functional Medicine Doctor who has training in Holistic Endocrinology.
BTW, have you done a sleep study?
best wishes,
Niko
Hi!
My brother an I have narcolepsy. He also has parkinsons and I am being tested for Lupus. I definitely have and additional Autoimmune disease but not sure what. So it is possible. We have been told our illnesses may be possibly from mitochondrial disease but we are yet to be diagnosed with mito as it is a very long process.
Cheers,
Laura