Sleeping sickness

Alternative names:

African trypanosomiasis

Treatment:

Medications used to treat this disorder include:

• suramin (Antrypol)
• melarsoprol
• pentamidine

Expectations (prognosis):

Untreated rhodesiense infection is almost universally fatal. Gambiense infection causes the classic "sleeping sickness" disease. Both diseases should be treated immediately upon diagnosis. The diseases are easier to treat during the blood-borne stage and more difficult to treat once meningoencephalitis develops.

Complications:

• injury related to falling asleep while driving or engaging in similar activities
• progressive damage to the nervous system

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop; it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible.