Cataplexy 3 (Cataplexy)

Cataplexy 3 is a transient attack of extreme muscle weakness during which the patient suddenly falls without losing consciousness. Such attacks can be triggered by strong laughter or any other strong emotional impact. The disease is usually observed in narcolepsy.

With cataplexy, there is a temporary loss of muscle tone, resulting in an inability to maintain an upright posture. The attacks last from a few seconds to several minutes. The patient remains conscious at this time, but cannot move or speak.

The causes of cataplexy are not completely clear. It is believed that it occurs due to disturbances in the functioning of the brain structures responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle.

For treatment, drugs that stimulate the nervous system are used, as well as antidepressants that increase the level of monoamines in the brain. Correctly selected therapy allows you to achieve good control over attacks.

Cataplexy is a disease manifested in periodic attacks of severe muscle weakness and falling, which are caused by spontaneous inhibition of the muscle centers of higher motor nerve centers. Also known as narcolepsy cataplexy and symptomatic cataplexy.

With cataplexy, muscle weakness can occur in almost the entire body, limited to only the limbs when narcolepsy manifests itself as symptomatic cataplexy. With cataplexy, a sudden or rapid fall of the patient occurs, sometimes accompanied by non-physiological muscle movements. At such a moment, a person’s consciousness is preserved and he is absolutely aware of what is happening, but there is no way to control his movements. At the moment of cataplexy, a person experiences subjective manifestations of pronounced weakness. Manifestations can occur, for example, when laughing or increasing emotional stress, talking about illnesses and other provoking factors. Sudden fainting occurs very often. While lying in a horizontal position, there is no sensation of muscle weakness. When the body moves into a sitting or standing position, muscle contractions occur. For such a transition, consistency is important; you need to gradually take a vertical position, avoiding sudden movements.

Cataplexy, also known as sleep cataplexy, is a condition in which a person experiences episodes of sudden and intense muscle weakness. Such episodes occur during sleep or during other states when the brain is in a passive state (for example, reading a book, watching TV, sitting relaxed).

Cataplexy is most often seen in people with sleep disorders such as nighttime insomnia. However, it can be caused by stressful situations or strong emotions, and also occur in response to any pharmacological drugs. In rare cases, a person may experience similar symptoms for no known reason.