![]() In cataplexy, this feature occurs during wake hours, suggesting that there is an overlap between sleep and wake phases. The stage of sleep called the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is characterized by normal loss of muscle tone. The exact cause of cataplexy is not clearly understood, however, scientists suggest that it may occur as a result of an inability of the brain to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. However, on average, a person with cataplexy will experience at least one attack every week. How many episodes of cataplexy people with the condition experience varies from as small as one per year to as many as several attacks in a day. Cataplexy which occurs with narcolepsy typically begins in childhood and early adulthood with an age of onset between 7 and 25 years, although it may begin at any time. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and it occurs in 2 in 100 adults worldwide, however, the incidence of cataplexy is a little lower than this as not all persons with narcolepsy have cataplexy. Additionally, some patients with stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and encephalitis may also develop this condition. Stats: How many People suffer from this Disorder?Ĭataplexy is a common feature of Narcolepsy, however, it may be seen in other rare disorders including Wilson’s disease, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Niemann-Pick disease. It may also occur after abrupt discontinuation of an antidepressant medication. While laughter is the most common trigger of cataplexy, it may also be triggered by other emotions such as excitement, anger, fear, stress, and surprise. The loss of muscle tone, typically, affects both sides of the body and the attack lasts between a few seconds to less than 2 minutes after which normal muscle tone and function returns.Ĭataplexy usually occurs during waking hours and it may range from mild to severe. This condition is called cataplexy and it is almost always a feature of the sleep disorder called narcolepsy.Ĭataplexy is a condition characterized by a sudden and transient loss of voluntary muscle tone triggered by strong and, often pleasant emotions such as laughter and happiness. Many individuals report feeling very weak or even losing control of their muscles and body when they experience strong emotions. ![]()
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