Age at onset of narcolepsy
(Adapted from Narcolepsy Eds: Guilleminault C et al, New York:Spectrum Publications, 1976)
The above graph shows that most patients experience the onset of symptoms of narcolepy between the ages of 15 and 30. However, onset at young childhood and middle age does sometimes occur. Studies have shown that it may take up to 12 years from the development of the first symptom to a definitive diagnosis of the condition.