What is cataplexy?

A condition called cataplexy leads to a sudden loss of muscular tone and control. These brief attacks are often precipitated by intense emotions such as stress, anger, or sadness.

Most patients with cataplexy also have narcolepsy, a chronic condition characterized by sleep attacks that occur involuntarily. Not all narcolepsy leads to cataplexy. Cataplexy can also be caused by other diseases and conditions.

The frequency and severity of attacks indicate how cataplexy should be treated. Read more about cataplexy without narcolepsy, relation to narcolepsy, whom it affects and more on the following page.

What are the symptoms of cataplexy?

Cataplexy is characterized by muscle weakness and loss of tone. Your knees buckle, face drops, head bobs, limbs shake, or you even experience uncontrollable laughter.

If you are standing, you are likely to fall and lose your leg muscle tone. These episodes are typically triggered by stress or strong emotions, such as:

• Anger
• Excitement
• Happiness and sorrow

This disorder sometimes leads individuals to be diagnosed with seizure-related diseases, for example, epilepsy or fainting syndromes. However, in contrast with seizures, patients having cataplexy remain alert and awake all the time when their episodes attack them.

Who is at risk, and what causes cataplexy without narcolepsy?

Most cases of cataplexy are brought about by narcolepsy. However, there are other risks and triggers. These include the following:

• Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC): Neurologic signs are caused by Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC), which is a genetic disease. This may sometimes involve cataplexy.
• Angelman Syndrome: A genetic disorder referred to as Angelman Syndrome results in intellectual disability and developmental delay. Cataplexy can be a result of this.
• Prader-Willi syndrome: This genetic disorder may cause eating problems, failure to grow, and intellectual disabilities. Cataplexy is another condition that some children with this disease develop.
• Brain tumors and strokes: These diseases can damage the neurological system and cause cataplexy.
• Some medications: While it is rare, cataplexy can be a side effect of some medications.

What is the treatment for cataplexy?

The treatment of cataplexy mainly lies in drugs. Wake-promoting treatment often proves helpful in easing cataplexy symptoms that are common symptoms of narcolepsy.

According to the FDA, the US Food and Drug Administration, these are some FDA-approved medications used for cataplexy.

• Sodium oxybate.
• Sodium oxybate with reduced levels of salt
• Pitolisant.

Other medications are sometimes prescribed by physicians to manage cataplexy. These uses of the medications are considered off-label, or not FDA-approved. Among them are:

• Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (ssris), such as fluoxetine.
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (snris) include venlafaxine.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (tcas) include clomipramine.
• Solriamfetol.

When using the treatment for cataplexy, it is important to be consistent in how the medicine is taken. Stopping the medicine immediately may bring about severe cataplexy attacks.

Can I avoid cataplexy attacks?

Sometimes, cataplexy attacks are unavoidable. But many type 1 narcolepsy patients claim that they become more likely to have an attack if they are tired. Therefore, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, or what is often referred to as sleep hygiene, may decrease the occurrence of cataplexy attacks. Here are some pointers:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
• Make sure that the room where you sleep is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature.
• Remove all electronics from your sleeping space, such as phones, computers, and televisions.
• Avoid eating heavy meals, drinking coffee, and alcohol at least two hours before bedtime.
• Exercise throughout the day. This can make it easier for you to fall asleep at night.

If I have cataplexy, how should I care for myself?

As long as you have a safe place to fall, cataplexy attacks are innocuous although they can be scary. Most cataplexy suffers recognize their triggers and avoid them. If you are diagnosed with cataplexy, follow these self-care tips:

• Be careful: With daily attacks, sudden muscle weakening may render habitual activities hazardous. To know better how to cope with the possibility of an attack and to become safe, approach your health-care team as well as others living with cataplexy.
• Inform others about it: Inform your friends and family about your cataplexy episodes so they know what is going on. You can request special accommodations from employers and school officials.
• Find help: You could experience psychological or social problems due to cataplexy. Finding a group for support to meet fellow cataplexy and narcolepsy suffers could help. Seek a psychologist or a mental health expert or speak to your doctor if you feel distressed about your condition with cataplexy.

When should I see a doctor about cataplexy?

It is therefore essential to see your doctor if you or your child feels you are suffering from cataplexy attacks. Your doctor will assess you and refer you for treatment in case you have narcolepsy.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for cataplexy?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most experienced professional in the country, with the finest neurologist and neurosurgeons specialized in cataplexy. Tender Palm stands out as the premier Neurology hospital in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To seek an expert consultation for any Neurology condition

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com