cataplexy

cataplexy /cat·a·plexy/ (kat´ah-plek″se) a condition marked by abrupt attacks of muscular weakness and hypotonia triggered by such emotional stimuli as mirth, anger, fear, etc., often associated with narcolepsy.cataplec´tic

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cat·a·plex·y (kt-plks)

n.

A sudden loss of muscle tone and strength, usually caused by an intense emotional stimulus.

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cata·plectic (-plktk) adj.

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Cataplexy

A symptom of narcolepsy in which there is a sudden episode of muscle weakness triggered by emotions. The muscle weakness may cause the person's knees to buckle, or the head to drop. In severe cases, the patient may become paralyzed for a few seconds to minutes.

Mentioned in: Narcolepsy, Sleep Disorders

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cataplexy

[kat′əplek′sē]

Etymology: Gk, kata + plexis, stroke

a condition characterized by sudden loss of muscle tone, usually resulting in a fall, caused by strong emotions, such as anger, fear, or surprise, often associated with narcolepsy. cataplectic, adj.

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Cataplexy

A rare—1:2,000—condition characterised by recurrent episodes of abrupt decrease/loss of muscle tone either limited to muscle groups, or generalized, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis or postural collapse; cataplexy in an awake person is pathognomonic of narcolepsy, and is triggered by emotional stimuli or stress, which may cause knee-buckling; cataplectic attacks are dangerous for machinists, house painters, construction workers
Precipitating factors Outburst of emotion, strenuous physical exercise, flashes of light. It may present as a side effect of SSRI discontinuation syndrome
Diagnosis Flat EMG potentials, loss of tendon reflexes during an attack, eye movements similar to those of REM sleep, REM sleep pattern immediately on falling asleep
Management Imipramine, protripyline, IMAOs

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cataplexy [kat´ah-plek″se]

a condition, often associated with narcolepsy; marked by abrupt attacks of muscular weakness and hypotonia triggered by an emotional stimulus, such as mirth, anger, or fear. adj., adj cataplec´tic.

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cataplexy

a condition, often associated with narcolepsy; marked by abrupt attacks of a loss of voluntary muscular function (flaccid paralysis), except those controlling respiration and eye movement. Observed in dogs, cats and horses, especially Shetland ponies. In dogs these have been precipitated by extreme excitement, vigorous physical or sexual activity. Usually of short duration. Most cases are idiopathic, but can be associated with lesions of the brainstem.

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food-elicited cataplexy test

cataleptic dogs demonstrate repeated attacks of catalepsy when presented with several individual pieces of food.

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cataplexy

Neurology An abrupt ↓/loss of muscle tone either limited to muscle groups, or generalized, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis or postural collapse; cataplexy in an awake person is pathognomonic of narcolepsy, and is triggered by emotional stimuli or stress, which may cause knee-buckling; cataplectic attacks are dangerous for machinists, house painters, construction workers Management Imipramine, protripyline, IMAOs. See Narcolepsy.