![]() ![]() ![]() More information can be found in our resources on symptoms of narcolepsy and narcolepsy diagnosis and assessment. Whilst there are a few neurodevelopmental conditions in which a form of cataplexy may be seen, those conditions are exceedingly rare, and so the occurrence of cataplexy generally makes diagnosis of narcolepsy much more certain. When cataplexy is present, it is extremely rare for it to be an isolated symptom – the vast majority of those with typical cataplexy will also have symptoms of narcolepsy. Cataplexy (sudden, temporary episodes of muscle weakness) Hallucinations while falling asleep or waking up Sleep paralysis Disturbances in nighttime sleep (such as waking up frequently and having vivid, frightening dreams) Only about 10 of people with narcolepsy have all the symptoms. Cataplexy may be most severe when the person with narcolepsy is tired rather than fully alert, and can lead to considerable anxiety. Typically, cataplexy does not develop for months or even years after the first signs of excessive daytime sleepiness, but in rare cases it is the first observed symptom of narcolepsy. Individuals with narcolepsy may experience temporary sleep episodes that can be very brief, lasting no more than seconds at a time. It is thought that about 75% of patients with narcolepsy experience cataplexy. Does everyone with narcolepsy have cataplexy? ![]() During both mild and severe attacks, the person stays fully conscious. How long does it last?Ĭataplexy attacks generally last less than two minutes, and they may only last a few seconds, though some people have repeated attacks of cataplexy which persist for up to 30 minutes. Speech may be slurred, and eyesight impaired (double vision, inability to focus) but hearing and awareness remain undisturbed. These paralysis circuits are normally blocked by norepinephrine and serotonin during wakefulness. During REM sleep, most muscles are paralyzed by circuits in the lower brainstem and spinal cord. The loss of muscle tone that occurs may range from a just-perceptible weakening of the facial muscles through weakness at the knees, to total collapse on the floor. Cataplexy and sleep paralysis are unusual states in which the brain circuits that produce paralysis during REM sleep become active during wakefulness. Cataplexy is the term given to sudden muscular weakness triggered by strong emotions such as laughter, anger and surprise. Many people with narcolepsy will also experience sleep paralysis on a regular basis, waking up to find themselves unable to move. ![]()
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