Neuraxial anaesthesia for caesarean section in a patient with narcolepsy and cataplexy

We report the management of a morbidly obese parturient suffering from narcolepsy with cataplexy who presented for caesarean section. Her symptoms were controlled by modafinil and fluoxetine. We administered epidural anaesthesia successfully; surgery was uneventful and recovery was uncomplicated. We discuss some of the issues surrounding parturients with narcolepsy including drug therapy and choice of anaesthetic technique.