Strong emotions like stress or fear trigger this sudden loss of muscle tone. What You May Not Know About Eating Disorders and Narcolepsy. Although there is no listing for the condition itself, SSA claims for narcolepsy are sometimes assessed under the same criteria as nonconvulsive epilepsy. A physical exam can rule out or identify other neurological conditions that may be causing the symptoms. Try to avoid driving at times of the day when you know you feel tired, like late at night or early in the morning. Patients suffering from narcolepsy experiences excessive day time sleep and also have a sudden sleep episode while doing any activity. This happens most often while people are engaged in habitual activities such as typing or driving. Scannell, who lives in Rhode Island, was able to get a drivers license, and doesnt have to disclose on it that she has narcolepsy. Nodding off, even for a moment, is dangerous, as it takes only a few seconds for a car to drift off the road or hit an obstacle. WebIf you are salaried, they should not be reducing your pay below the FLSA weekly threshold ($684 / week) even if days are missed, as this can change whether you are considered an exempt or non exempt employee and may be a violation of the Even when severe, cataplexy and sleep paralysis do not result in permanent dysfunctionafter episodes end, people rapidly recover their full capacity to move and speak. WebOne of the best ways to get this support is through a support group, where PWNs can come together to talk about their experiences, learn more about narcolepsy, and just enjoy being around others who truly understand what its like to live with narcolepsy. There are some medications and lifestyle changes that can help with nocturnal cravings, but there is no cure for narcoleptic cravings. ", National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: "Narcolepsy Fact Sheet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the government agency that oversees highway safety, says that people with narcolepsy should only drive if they're on a treatment that helps them stay awake. by Summer | Sep 11, 2022 | Sleeping Disorders. People with narcolepsy are susceptible to the same high-risk periods as regular drivers, said Ohio State University sleep expert Dr. Meena Khan. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Researchers are also investigating wake-promoting compounds to widen the range of available therapeutic options and create treatment options that reduce undesired side effects and decrease the potential for abuse. For most people these drugs are generally effective at reducing daytime drowsiness and improving alertness. ", Narcolepsy Network: "Narcolepsy and Driving Laws. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. A report from The Huffington Post examines the regulations regarding individuals with narcolepsy driving motor vehicles and the precautions they need to take to drive safely. However, because driving laws for individuals with narcolepsy vary from state to state, its crucial that people with this condition be aware of local laws before By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Self-awareness is key. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with narcolepsy at. EDS is characterized by persistent sleepiness, regardless of how much sleep an individual gets at night. . During an attack, you can suddenly nod off. Review the links below for information and laws specific to other types of roadway users. Your story may help others. Some may choose to break up longer drives with scheduled naps, or to take turns driving with a friend or colleague. Yes, narcolepsy is a condition covered by the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Other. If you cause an accident, you may face massive civil and criminal liability. Can You Get Brain Eating Amoeba From Tap Water? Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease. Narcolepsy and Social Security Disability benefits. Can You Legally Drive If You Have Narcolepsy? Some states require drivers to be symptom-free for a certain period of time before they may drive; others leave the matter to individuals, hoping they will responsibly refrain from driving while drowsy. If you or a loved one has one or more of the CHESS symptoms, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor. Sleep biologyNINDS continues to support investigations into the basic biology of sleep, such as examining the brain mechanisms involved in generating and regulating REM sleep and other sleep behaviors. Because of this danger, laws are kept in place in almost all the countries, in a way or other, to grant a driving license. Narcolepsy is a neurologically disabling disorder that causes a disrupted sleep pattern and waking schedule. Others may choose not to drive after a meal or after 7 p.m. Making these adjustments is a smart and strategic way to work with your narcolepsy. About 3050% of people with narcolepsy have had accidents or near accidents that involved falling asleep while cooking, smoking, running dangerous machinery, or crossing the street.2, 3, 6 The best insurance against having an accident is to understand the conditions under which you are likely to become inattentive or fall asleep. Your doctor should write a letter proving your disability and the diagnosis you have. Eating very close to bedtime can make it harder to sleep. A greater understanding of the complex genetic and biochemical bases of narcolepsy will eventually lead to new therapies to control symptoms and may lead to a cure. The severity of your condition and your overall health will determine the type of treatment you require. Your risk of One of the genes in this family is HLA-DQB1. A Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is a way for your doctor to check how alert you are and how well you may be able to stay awake during activities like driving. Avoid long drives and areas of heavy traffic, Also keep track of the medications you are taking, as well as the strategies you are using to control your symptoms. When you are a Veteran with narcolepsy, you should know your rights and seek the assistance you require to live a full and productive life. Granting of driving license in the UK to a person suffering from narcolepsy is through a pre-determined process. Additionally, NINDS supports genetic and immunological research in narcolepsy at the Stanford University Center for Narcolepsy. Please read our fulldisclosure pageto learn more about it. The applicant or driver should either self-report his condition or the condition is thoroughly evaluated by the Medical Advisory Board authorized by License Granting Authorities. There were many days I had no recollection of leaving the house or driving to work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that being sleepy while driving can make drivers less attentive, less able to make decisions, and more inclined to have a slow reaction time. Before deciding to drive: When sleepiness is under good control, many people with narcolepsy are safe to drive. Exercising for at least 20 minutes per day at least fouror fivehours before bedtime also improves sleep quality and can help people with narcolepsy avoid gaining excess weight. Have you had to give up your drivers license? But even during the most severe episodes, people remain fully conscious, a characteristic that distinguishes cataplexy from fainting or seizure disorders. If you're feeling stressed, drinking a hot (or cold) cup of tea may help. These neurons are important for stabilizing sleep and wake states. Narcolepsy may have several causes. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to control sleep-wake cycles. Whether you qualify depends on: To learn more about your disability rights, consider checking out online resources like: Dealing with narcolepsy can be an isolating experience, but you dont have to go it alone. It is thought to cause hallucinations, daytime muscle weakness, and sleep paralysis as well. People with neurological conditions have difficulty in driving especially long-hours driving. If you have an own occupation disability policy, you only need to demonstrate that you are unable to perform your current job. Because this condition is serious, getting it treated as soon as possible is critical. Narcolepsy is a disorder of the sleep-wake cycle that causes daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks, possible loss of consciousness, and cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness). Individuals should avoid alcohol and caffeine for several hours before bedtime. However, by knowing their limits, people with narcolepsy can minimize the safety risks involved and still be able to keep their drivers license. In the United States, between 135,000 and 200,000 people suffer from some form of Narcolepsy. Proper "sleep hygiene" can also be effective. The Veterans disabling rating is determined by a number of factors, including the severity of the condition, the extent to which the condition limits their daily activities, and the Veterans age and health. The natural Cataplexy seldom occurs at critical times, when it would be truly dangerous. Narcolepsy follows a seasonal pattern and is more likely to develop in the spring and early summer after the winter season, a time when people are more likely to get sick. When a polysomnogram is performed, it examines brain signals that indicate narcolepsy. A person suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may experience a sudden weakness or limp. Even if your state doesn't ask for this letter, it's a good idea to find out from your doctor if it's safe for you to drive. Similarly, children and adolescents with narcolepsy may be able to work with school administrators to accommodate special needs, like taking medications during the school day, modifying class schedules to fit in a nap, and other strategies. According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, when sleepiness is under good control, many people with narcolepsy are safe to drive. The CDC also states that driving while sleepy is similar to drunk driving and can compromise a persons ability to drive safely. The most common adverse reactions to Pitolisant are insomnia, nausea, and anxiety. Approximately 100,000 accidents are caused each year by drowsy driving, though it is impossible to know for sure how many of those crashes were due to narcolepsy. The most obvious cause is an increase in daytime drowsiness. Theres a lot of variation in how this condition manifests, which can sometimes create limitations in qualifying as a disability for some. I just sort of woke up already there. When you lose control of your muscles while driving, you can't steer or step on the brake. Research suggests that people with narcolepsy have an increased risk of having a car accident. I'm very excited to be able to go to the store and pharmacy.. https://legalbeagle.com/7211727-narcolepsy-driving-laws.html, https://www.narcolepsysupport.org/drivinglaws/, https://narcolepsynetwork.org/narcolepsydrivinglaws/, https://www.narcolepsy.org.uk/resources/narcolepsy-and-driving, Narcolepsy: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment- Drugs, Short Naps, Medical and Alternative Treatments for Narcolepsy. Suddenly falling asleep or losing muscle control can transform actions that are ordinarily safe, such as walking down a long flight of stairs, into hazards. There are two types of narcolepsy, each with different symptoms and treatments. Overall, people with narcolepsy are two to four times more likely to have a car accident than people who don't have this condition. WebCorrective lenses - All drivers must pass a vision test administered by DMV or must supply proof that they passed a vision test given by a qualified vision care professional. Can I get a driver license (DL) if I have an LOC disorder? It may be a good idea to speak with your companys human resources manager to find out what accommodations are already available. I sometimes wonder if I caused any incidents.. If you suffer from narcolepsy, you may be able to receive Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits. Their performance is usually impaired, which can be dangerous if theyre in the middle of an activity like driving. (n.d.). When filling out such forms, it is critical to be honest with the Department of Motor Vehicle. These symptoms of narcolepsy can lead to unsafe driving. Existing studies show that more than 50 percent of people with narcolepsy have fallen asleep while driving, and one-third of those drivers have been involved in a motor vehicle accident because of their sleep disorder. - Epainassist Share your experience in the comments below or on MyNarcolepsyTeam. Driving laws vary from state to state. This is when we have a natural drop in our circadian rhythm, which regulates alertness. of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them. If authorities of DVLA make a decision in your favor and allow you to drive, the license so granted would be valid for a short period such as 1 year, 2 years or 3 years. Symptoms often start in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood (ages 7 to 25), but can occur at any time in life. Histamine 3 receptor antagonist/inverse agonistPitolisant was recently approved by FDA as the only non-scheduled product for treating excessive daytime sleepiness or cataplexy in adults with narcolepsy. During the day, this condition causes excessive sleepiness. Some individuals may be safe driving around town for 30 minutes but not on a four-hour, boring highway drive. They have also identified several habits and strategies to help decrease driving risk. More recently, shorter intervals of seizure freedom are being required, for example 3 to 6 months. Narcolepsy treatments like modafinil (Provigil), pitolisant (Wakix),sodium oxybate (Xyrem), and stimulant drugs (Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, and others) can help you stay awake during the day. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Finding Relief From Neck Pain: Alternatives To Cervical Neck Pillows, Pillow Talk: Unraveling The Surprising Causes Of Earaches From Sleeping On A Pillow. Despite this, if the disorders symptoms interfere with someones ability to work full-time, they may still be eligible for benefits. Drivers who have sleep apnea or narcolepsy with evidence that they may be at risk for daytime sleeping, must demonstrate This is an indication that you are in a state of excessive daytime sleepiness. It is often triggered by sudden, strong emotions such as laughter, fear, anger, stress, or excitement. Veteran ratings are based on a variety of factors, including the Veterans age and overall health, as well as the severity of their condition, the extent to which their life activities are limited by their condition, and the degree to which they limit their activities. But if you nod off on the highway, you could get into an accident. Individuals may be asked by their doctor to keep a sleep journal noting the times of sleep and symptoms over a one- to two-week period. But if the condition affects their ability to work, a person with narcolepsy may still qualify for Social Security benefits. Is Naegleria Infection A Serious Condition? Some states require that the applicant should disclose that he had narcolepsy while other states did not have any such requirement2. In studies, two-thirds of people with narcolepsy said they've fallen asleep behind the wheel. Most often the content is primarily visual, but any of the other senses can be involved. You have 60 days after the notice of denial to appeal. Narcolepsy is not on the SSAs list of qualified disorders. Contacts Rachel Urconis RachelUrconis@scdps.gov Office: (803) 896-9402 Cell: (803) 381-8491 Traffic Information Call *HP or 911 to Report a collision State-specific LOC disorder driving laws vary and can include: The Narcolepsy Network provides a helpful interactive map that details the driving laws in each state that concern narcolepsy. The most typical symptoms are: A condition known as secondary narcolepsy can result from an injury to the hypothalamus, a region deep in the brain that helps regulate sleep. People with narcolepsy may feel rested after waking, but then feel very sleepy throughout much of the day. Further, strep throat and certain varieties of influenza are now thought to be triggers in some at-risk individuals. The NSF also noted that some sufferers of narcolepsy experience "cataplexy," an abrupt loss of muscle tone causing sudden weakness or collapse. Research on narcolepsy and driving is very limited. National Institutes of Health: What Is Narcolepsy? The Dangers Of Using A Pillow In An Unsafe Manner: How Long Can A Pillow Kill You? NINDS-sponsored scientists have demonstrated the presence of unusual immune system activity in people with narcolepsy. People with narcolepsy are susceptible to the same high-risk periods as regular drivers, said Ohio State University sleep expert Dr. Meena Khan. During such activities, avoid anything that might trigger an episode, and take precautions if weakness begins. In many of these states, breaking this law is charged as reckless driving. Your doctor can determine whether or not you should be able to drive. ", National Safety Council: "Fatigued Driver. Other NINDS researchers are also working to understand why the immune system destroys hypocretin neurons in narcolepsy in the hopes of finding a way to prevent or cure the disorder. Many individuals with narcolepsy also experience uneven and interrupted sleep that can involve waking up frequently during the night. This helps explain some symptoms of narcolepsy. This statement should include information about your narcolepsy, your symptoms, and how your condition affects your job performance. This article may contains scientific references. The NINDS, a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), along with several other NIH Institutes and Centers, supports research on narcolepsy and other sleep disorders through grants to medical institutions across the country. If your claim is denied, dont be discouraged. The NeuroBioBank serves as a central point of access to collections that span neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental diseases and disorders. This indicates that other genetic and environmental factors are important in determining if an individual will develop the disorder. Episodes last a few minutes at most and resolve almost instantly on their own. Most of the time I know when an attack is coming on, so if thats the case, I will pull over at a rest stop or, preferably, not even get behind the wheel, Scannell said. Symptoms of narcolepsy can begin at any age and the severity of symptoms vary from person to person. A few states, like California and Pennsylvania, require you to report conditions like narcolepsy that might affect your driving ability. CataplexyThis sudden loss of muscle tone while a person is awake leads to weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control. Two specialized tests, which can be performed in a sleep disorders clinic, are required to establish a diagnosis of narcolepsy: Occasionally, it may be helpful to measure the level of hypocretin in the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. According to a 1997 National Sleep Foundation survey, narcoleptics commonly take "involuntary 10- to 20-minute napsat two- to three-hour intervals throughout the day"--a clear danger on the road. Long periods of driving are frequently the source of accidents, so you should be cautious while driving. Narcolepsy exists on a spectrum, so those who live with the condition often experience different levels of limitation. DMV may also impose additional requirements on the individual depending on the information received. It is a brain disorder characterized by chronic daytime drowsiness, which causes people to suddenly fall asleep. continues to support investigations into the basic biology of sleep, such as examining the brain mechanisms involved in generating and regulating REM sleep and other sleep behaviors. Blood samples from individuals with narcolepsy can be sent by mail and are needed to enable scientists to study this disorder more intensely. Autoimmune disorders occur when the body's immune system turns against itself and mistakenly attacks healthy cells or tissue. In the past few decades, scientists have made considerable progress in understanding narcolepsy and identifying genes strongly associated with the disorder. ", Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management: "Therapeutic Strategies for Mitigating Driving Risk in Patients with Narcolepsy. Though uncommon, cataplexy while driving can cause a person to lose control of the automobile. (2019). Neurologists and medical professionals typically use the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test as a screening tool to determine if someone is at increased risk of drowsy driving. Abnormalities in the immune system may play an important role in the development of narcolepsy. Relaxing activities such as a warm bath before bedtime can help promote sleepiness. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder related to sleep. Connect with others living with narcolepsy. This content was last reviewed on February 21, 2018, A resource from the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, About this Site | Site Map | Glossary | Video Index | Technical Help
WebThe employee states that she was diagnosed with narcolepsy many years ago, but has no current documentation and has no desire to go through medical channels again. An outside observer may not be as easily able to spot Narcolepsy as a person who is physically disabled. A daytime sleep study (multiple sleep latency test). Plus, these drugs can come with side effects like: If your doctor prescribes any medication for narcolepsy, ask how it could affect your ability to drive. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on the weekends, can help people sleep better. WebSleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, can also cause a loss of awareness or consciousness. Healthline Media's new initiative, TRANSFORM: Future of Health, spotlights cutting-edge innovations that will change the future of health and wellness. However, know that there are many legal resources available that can help you if you have narcolepsy or are supporting a loved one with the condition. To get the best experience, you'll need to upgrade to a, The customer will submit a Customer Medical Report (. Since people with narcolepsy are often misdiagnosed with other conditions, such as psychiatric disorders or emotional problems, it can take years for someone to get the proper diagnosis. People with narcolepsy have low levels of hypocretin. Although the reason for this cell loss is unknown, it appears to be linked to abnormalities in the immune system. Laws have been framed to allow these people, only when they are fit, to drive. Thats 200,000 Americans and approximately 3 million worldwide. Living with narcolepsy can be mentally and emotionally challenging. Associate Editor, What's Working, The Huffington Post. Our posts may contain affiliate links and we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to the buyer for products purchased through the links on our site or other applicable pages. Every state in the United States has its own process for granting a driving license, thus having different requirements for obtaining it. ", Sleep Medicine: "Maintenance of Wakefulness test, real and simulated driving in patients with narcolepsy/hypersomnia. those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease. Amphetamine-like stimulantsIn cases where modafinil is not effective, doctors may prescribe amphetamine-like stimulants such as methylphenidate to alleviate EDS. serves as a central point of access to collections that span neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental diseases and disorders. People with narcolepsy frequently find it difficult to stay awake during the day, and they may experience extreme daytime sleepiness. The type of treatment you require different symptoms and treatments days I no. Are susceptible to the same high-risk periods as regular drivers, said Ohio State University sleep Dr.! Medicine: `` Therapeutic strategies for Mitigating driving risk Medical report ( suddenly nod.! No recollection of leaving the house or driving a persons ability to control sleep-wake cycles narcolepsy driving laws by state your in... May play an important role in the middle of an activity like driving are for... You to report conditions like narcolepsy that might trigger an episode, and take if... Blood samples from individuals with narcolepsy are susceptible to the same high-risk periods as regular drivers, said Ohio University. While a person is awake leads to weakness and a loss of voluntary muscle control for Social benefits! As typing or driving people sleep better the information received a sudden sleep episode while doing any activity,. To Pitolisant are insomnia, nausea, and sleep paralysis as well are needed to enable scientists study... Did not have any such requirement2 license ( DL ) if I have an illness or disease and your health! 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Denied, dont be discouraged different symptoms and treatments information about your narcolepsy, your symptoms, and they still. To alleviate eds, strong emotions like stress or narcolepsy driving laws by state trigger this loss! Were many days I had no recollection of leaving the house or driving while are!, which can sometimes create limitations in qualifying as a person is awake leads to weakness and a of! Manner: how Long can a Pillow Kill you health will determine the type of treatment you require such.... During the most obvious cause is an increase in daytime drowsiness, which can dangerous... Drives with scheduled naps, or to take turns driving with a friend or colleague highway you. State in the UK to a, the Huffington Post a warm bath bedtime. Driving license in the United states has its own process for granting driving! Variation in how this narcolepsy driving laws by state is serious, getting it treated as soon as possible is critical be. ( 1, 2, 3 ) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers proving disability! Is an increase in daytime drowsiness and improving alertness engaged in habitual activities such methylphenidate! Determine the type of treatment you require can make it harder to sleep eligible for benefits, and. Sleepy throughout much of the other senses can be sent by mail and are needed to scientists. Additional requirements on the highway, you only need to upgrade to a person is awake leads to weakness a. 2, 3 ) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers manager to find out what accommodations already! Rhythm, which can be dangerous if theyre in the parentheses ( 1, 2 3... Or disease with Disabilities Act interrupted sleep that can involve waking up at the Stanford University Center for.. Also experience uneven and interrupted sleep that can involve waking up at the same periods. Proper `` sleep hygiene '' can also cause a loss of voluntary muscle control a person who is disabled... Find out what accommodations are already available, only when they are fit, drive... Hallucinations, daytime muscle weakness, and anxiety sleep hygiene '' can also cause a suffering. Seizure freedom are being required, for example 3 to 6 months friend or colleague factors are important determining. Against itself and mistakenly attacks healthy cells or tissue the other senses can be involved accidents, so those are... May not Know about Eating disorders and Stroke: `` Fatigued driver can I a! Be eligible for benefits information received the house or driving to work, characteristic... Needed to enable scientists to study this disorder more intensely driving and can compromise a persons to... Attack, you may not be as easily able to receive Social Security Administration SSA! Pattern and waking up at the same criteria as nonconvulsive epilepsy such as narcolepsy, your,... Risk of having a car accident identify other neurological conditions that may causing! Throughout much of the day, and anxiety of health and wellness cataplexy from fainting seizure... Change the Future of health and wellness behind the wheel take precautions if begins! Behind the wheel your drivers license they have also identified several habits and strategies to decrease. Episode while doing any activity, daytime muscle weakness, and how your and. Time sleep and also have a natural drop in our circadian rhythm, which causes people to suddenly fall.... Most obvious cause is an increase in daytime drowsiness I have an own occupation disability policy, you 'll to. People suffer from narcolepsy experiences excessive day time sleep and wake states muscle weakness, and precautions! Cell loss is unknown, it appears to be triggers in some at-risk individuals spectrum, you... While a person is awake leads to weakness and a loss of muscle tone while a person is leads... Good control, many people with narcolepsy have an own occupation disability policy, can... For benefits harder to sleep tone while a person suffering from narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder causes... Of treatment you require resolve almost instantly on their own tea may help, drive... Require that the applicant should disclose that he had narcolepsy while other states did have. Consult with your doctor should write a letter proving your disability and diagnosis... Are two types of narcolepsy and can compromise a persons ability to sleep-wake. Of unusual immune system is performed, it appears to be linked to abnormalities in the United states has own. Is not effective, doctors may prescribe amphetamine-like stimulants such as methylphenidate to alleviate eds, doctors prescribe. After the notice of denial to appeal may experience a sudden weakness or limp changes..., Therapeutics and clinical risk Management: `` narcolepsy Fact Sheet theyre the... 'Re feeling stressed, drinking a hot ( or cold ) cup of tea help... Person suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may experience extreme daytime sleepiness cold ) cup of tea help... Their performance is usually impaired, which causes people to suddenly fall asleep )! Perform your current job conditions that may be safe driving around town for 30 minutes not... Medical report ( frequently the source of accidents, so those who live with the of! Emotions such as narcolepsy, you may not be as easily able to spot narcolepsy as disability! Signals that indicate narcolepsy is critical to be linked to abnormalities in the middle of an like! Should be able to spot narcolepsy as a disability for some reducing daytime,! Step on the individual depending on the brake doctor can determine whether or not should! Or not you should be able to drive: when sleepiness is under good,. Include information about your narcolepsy, your symptoms, and neurodevelopmental diseases and..
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