Narcolepsy

Molecular Mimicry, Influenza Virus and Narcolepsy

Molecular Mimicry, Influenza Virus and Narcolepsy

Published by on | 11 Responses

Molecular mimicry involves two or more unrelated molecules that mimic each other – for example, a viral protein may mimic a human protein. Why? A small portion of the viral protein may be very similar or identical to a small portion of the human protein. It is said that, in molecular mimicry, a protein “impersonates” […]

Seized by Numbness: The Autoimmune Causes of Narcolepsy

Seized by Numbness: The Autoimmune Causes of Narcolepsy

Published by on | 6 Responses

Narcolepsy — or “seized by numbness” — is a condition far more common that people realize. Jane Brody’s account of Clea’s personal experience with narcolepsy provides an excellent description of the symptoms associated with this condition “Yet during her freshman and sophomore years, she was always tired, no matter how much she slept at night. She often fell asleep […]