cataplexy

noun

cat·​a·​plexy ˈka-tə-ˌplek-sē 

plural cataplexies ˈka-tə-ˌplek-sēz 

: sudden loss of muscle power following a strong emotional stimulus

Examples of cataplexy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The drug is designed to increase wakefulness, reduce cataplexy and potentially be a novel treatment for narcolepsy type 1. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2024

In addition to sleep disturbance, most people with Type 1 narcolepsy experience sudden, temporary loss of muscle control or paralysis, called cataplexy. —Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2024

How is cataplexy treated? —Sarah Fielding, Health.com, 6 Dec. 2021

People with cataplexy, a rare condition tied to narcolepsy, may suddenly lose all their muscle strength and collapse during a fit of laughter. —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2014

Not all narcoleptics experience cataplexy, but those who do may lose all strength in their muscles during moments of strong emotion. —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2011

But this view ignores narcolepsy's most ridiculous symptom, called cataplexy. —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2011

According to the Mayo Clinic, the frequency of cataplexy varies tremendously case by case. —Sarah Fielding, Health.com, 3 Dec. 2021

Symptoms such as hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and cataplexy may follow, says Manjamalai Sivaraman, MD, FAASM, a sleep medicine specialist and neurologist at the University of Missouri. —Sarah Fielding, Health.com, 8 Dec. 2021

Word History

Etymology

German Kataplexie, from Greek kataplēxis, from kataplēssein to strike down, terrify, from kata- + plēssein to strike — more at plaint

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cataplexy

noun

cat·​a·​plexy ˈkat-ə-ˌplek-sē 

plural cataplexies -sēz 

: a sudden loss of muscle control with retention of clear consciousness that follows a strong emotional stimulus (as elation, surprise, or anger) and is a characteristic symptom of narcolepsy