For people with type 1 narcolepsy, episodes of cataplexy typically begin after the onset of excessive sleepiness. People diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy experience episodes of cataplexy, while people with type 2 narcolepsy do not. There are two major types of narcolepsy: type 1 and type 2, differentiated by whether or not a person experiences cataplexy. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and, in some cases, cataplexy. Episodes typically last a couple of minutes and resolve on their own. Unlike other conditions that cause a loss of muscle control, like fainting or seizures, people experiencing cataplexy remain conscious and aware. During more severe episodes, a person collapses and cannot move or speak. Less severe episodes involve momentary sensations of weakness in a few muscles, while more severe episodes involve a total loss of voluntary muscle control. Episodes may also be triggered by anger, but rarely by stress, fear, or physical exertion.Įpisodes of cataplexy can vary in severity. The triggering experiences are usually positive, like laughter, witty conversations, and pleasant surprise. We will continue to monitor and revise this article as new literature is published on cataplexy.Ĭataplexy is a sudden muscle weakness that occurs while a person is awake. Our medical review team has recently evaluated this page to ensure accuracy. Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Treatment of Narcolepsy. People with cataplexy may learn to avoid situations or emotions that trigger a cataplexy episode-meaning they may resist laughing, for example, to avoid prompting an episode. 3Ĭlaire’s experience is just one example of the impact cataplexy can have on a person’s daily life. However, cataplexy can be managed in most individuals with certain medications. In people with cataplexy, the loss of hypocretin is believed to be irreversible and lifelong. Then suddenly I was sinking I couldn’t get my legs to move.”Īlmost all people who experience cataplexy have extremely low levels of the naturally occurring chemical hypocretin, which promotes wakefulness and stabilizes sleep/wake transition. “A few summers ago, I was at the pool and my little neighbor, he was just playing in the pool and giggling, so I was giggling. 2Ĭlaire, a person living with narcolepsy, describes a time when cataplexy put her life at risk. 2 The results of a cataplexy episode can also cause physical injury, for example fracturing wrists or other body parts during a fall. During a cataplexy episode, the person remains conscious and aware of their surroundings, even if unable to speak or move. are estimated to have narcolepsy1, and more than half of people living with narcolepsy experience cataplexy 2. 2 The location does not matter, cataplexy can unexpectedly occur – it might also not be as visible or noticeable as one might expect. 2 Given people can experience a range of triggering emotions throughout daily life, a cataplexy episode can occur at any time – it could be when a person is playing with their children, cooking or driving. 2 The presentation of cataplexy episodes varies from facial drooping, jaw weakening, slight knee buckling or neck weakness to falling to the ground for up to several minutes. 3Ĭataplexy is sudden episodes of muscle paralysis often triggered by emotions like humor, surprise, or anger. 2 A person cannot have cataplexy without having narcolepsy except in extremely rare cases. Cataplexy is a major symptom of narcolepsy, a chronic neurological condition that involves other symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness – that can result in difficulty focusing and maintaining alertness, along with sleep paralysis and vivid hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up. Narcolepsy is an often misunderstood and under-recognized condition.
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