“What is cataplexy? How can it be treated?”
My friend has recently been diagnosed with cataplexy. Can you please explain this condition to me, and what the treatment would be like? I've never even heard of it before and her explanation is very vague.
1 Answer
Cataplexy is sudden, involuntary loss of motor tone usually triggered by strong emotion, including anger or laughter. It is not associated with loss of consciousness and is not associated with seizure activity. While there are uncommon causes, if it is present along with daytime sleepiness, it is considered a pathognomonic feature of narcolepsy. Cataplexy can be a serious problem for driving, operating dangerous equipment, or even walking in places where loss of motor control could potentially cause serious injury. Treatment consists of medication.
